Police Cite Ballistics Evidence in Ohio Double Homicide as Motive Remains Unclear

 

Police Cite Ballistics Evidence in Ohio Double Homicide as Motive Remains Unclear

Police in Columbus say a national ballistics database has provided a preliminary link between a firearm and the killings of Spencer Tepee and Monique Tepee, as investigators continue to withhold details about motive and prior contact between the suspect and the victims.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant described the incident as a “targeted domestic violence attack.” The victims were shot at their home, and police have charged Dr. Michael McKee, Monique Tepee’s ex-husband, in connection with the case.

Chief Bryant said investigators recovered multiple weapons from McKee’s penthouse condominium in Chicago, including the suspected murder weapon. She confirmed that a preliminary match was made using the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, commonly known as NIBIN.

NIBIN is a federal database managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It allows investigators to compare shell casings and bullets to determine whether a firearm has been used in other crimes. Police have not disclosed the make or model of the weapon involved.

Authorities also confirmed that surveillance footage showing a person in an alley near the victims’ home at the time of the killings depicts McKee. Police said gait, body size, clothing, and other physical indicators were used to make the identification.

When asked whether there had been prior reports of stalking or harassment, Chief Bryant said there were no police reports linked to the victims’ residence. However, she declined to answer questions about possible communications between McKee and Monique Tepee before the shootings, citing the ongoing investigation.

“There are some things we cannot share for investigative purposes,” Bryant said.

McKee was arrested last Saturday near the hospital where he worked in Rockford. ATF agents carried out the arrest, which police said was connected to the firearms evidence.

McKee has waived extradition and is expected to be transferred to Ohio to face charges. His extradition hearing, initially scheduled for next week, has been moved to January 23 due to logistical delays, according to court officials.

Law enforcement officials say investigators are continuing to interview witnesses and review evidence, including potential past interactions between McKee and the victims. Prosecutors are not required to prove motive in court, but officials acknowledge it may be important to jurors.

The case has drawn public attention due to the time gap between the divorce and the alleged attack, as well as the apparent lack of prior police reports. Authorities say additional details may be released as the investigation progresses and court proceedings advance.