EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Authorities in Columbus have connected a firearm to the tragic deaths of an Ohio dentist and his spouse. However, the police chief has refrained from disclosing the method of identification or the current status of the weapon’s recovery.
In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Police Chief Elaine Bryant revealed that detectives have “preliminarily” associated a gun discovered at Michael McKee’s residence with the December 30th murders of Spencer and Monique Tepe, which occurred at their North Fourth Street home.
When questioned about the legal acquisition of the firearm, Bryant stated, “At this time, unfortunately, I cannot answer that question,” noting that the investigation is ongoing.
Upon further inquiry regarding what details could be confirmed, Bryant affirmed, “Preliminarily, it is definitely a gun that was linked to the homicides.”
Fox News Digital engaged with Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant concerning the slayings of Monique and Spencer Tepe. (Fox News Digital)
According to police documents reviewed by Fox News Digital, investigators located three discharged 9 mm shell casings at the crime scene.
The casings were logged into evidence and turned over to the Columbus police property room, according to a preliminary investigation report. The report does not identify a gun recovered at the home or specify a weapon used in the killings.
When asked whether the shell casings were used to support the claim that a gun had been linked to the case, Bryant confirmed that investigators “did recover three shell casings” and said they are part of the ballistic comparison process through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, or NIBIN.
“That is part of the process,” Bryant said.
Bryant did not say whether the shell casings matched to a specific gun.
Michael McKee appears in court at the Winnebago County Justice Center, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Rockford, Ill. McKee is facing extradition to Ohio for the murder of ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband, Spencer Tepe. (WIFR via Pool)
Authorities have identified the suspect as Monique Tepe’s ex-husband, McKee, a vascular surgeon in Chicago, who was arrested in Rockford, Illinois, after investigators determined he had left Ohio.
Bryant said police worked with local and federal agencies to take him into custody but declined to discuss evidence recovered during searches.
“I can’t speak specifically to what was recovered,” Bryant said, adding only that “multiple firearms” were involved in the investigation.
Charging documents indicate police were able to identify McKee by linking him to a car that arrived in the Tepes’ neighborhood shortly before the murders and left just after the homicides. The car was then located in Rockford, Illinois, and police found evidence it belonged to McKee.
Spencer and Monique Tepe on their wedding day. (Rob Misleh)
Police described the killings as a targeted, domestic violence-related attack but said they are not discussing motive or whether there was communication between the suspect and the victims before the shootings.
“We know that this is her ex-husband, so it’s domestic violence-related. And, as the trial moves on, as charges come about, we will be able to probably get more answers. But, right now, we don’t have the answer as to a motive,” she said.
Timeline of key events in the murder of Spencer and Monique Tepe. (Fox News)
According to the police report, officers were dispatched to the home for a welfare check and found both victims dead from gunshot wounds. Both deaths have been ruled homicides.
McKee was booked at the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois just before noon Saturday, jail records show.
He’s facing upgraded premeditated aggravated murder charges in Ohio in relation to Spencer and Monique’s deaths.
Bryant and Mayor Andrew Ginther asked for the public to continue to provide tips, crediting tips for assistance in the investigation.
Michael David McKee, a 39-year-old from Chicago, was charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe. (Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office)
“We’re still encouraging anyone that might have information they think is relevant to this case to reach out to us, whether how big or small they think it is. It could help us,” Bryant said.
“Every family matters, and we have been working around the clock on this case, but it hasn’t taken us away from our other cases because we know those grieving families deserve our very best as well. And we’ll continue to bring that.”
