A couple were murdered last year after being shot dead at their home and a threat allegedly issued by the ex-husband has now been revealed.
On December 30, police officers in Colombus, Ohio, were responding to a welfare check at the home of Spencer and Monique Tepe.
Spencer, who was a dentist, failed to turn up to work which was considered out of character for the 37-year-old.
Friends of Spencer who came to his home were unable to gain entry, but could hear the cries of the couples two children.
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Monique's ex-husband, Michael David McKee, was arrested on suspicion of murder on January 10, and the charges have since been upgraded to aggravated murder.
He was arrested in Rockford, Illinois, nearly 500 miles away from Monique and Spencer's home in Columbus, Ohio.
McKee is currently being held without bond at the James A. Karnes Corrections Center in Franklin County. He has pleaded not guilty to four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary.
A recent probable cause affidavit revealed that McKee was spotted outside or near the couples home weeks before they were found dead, according to a report by WBNS-TV.
The documents also allege that McKee at one point threatened Monique’s life.
He allegedly told her ‘he could 'kill her at any time’ adding that ‘she will always be his wife’. He also vowed to follow her and would purchase a home next to hers.
Court records show that Monique and McKee were married for seven months after an Aug. 22, 2015 wedding.
The affidavit also revealed that friends and family had previously told police that Monique had described McKee as abusive both during and after their marriage.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant previously said: “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.”
Bryant also said: “This was a targeted attack. This was a domestic violence-related attack."
McKee is currently being held without bond at the James A. Karnes Corrections Center in Franklin County. He has pleaded not guilty to four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary.
Monique had been 'terrified' of her ex-husband, according to Spencer's brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, who is married to Spencer's sister.
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Gerrard Kaonga