'This was a domestic-violence-related attack' on Tepes: CPD chief says
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Columbus police officials provided an update on the Tepe murders Wednesday, calling the killings "a domestic-violence-related attack."
CPD Chief Elaine Bryant also shared new details about what her department's investigators have discovered about suspect Michael McKee.
“We believe at this point we have the person responsible for the murders of Monique and Spencer Tepe in custody and that person is Michael McKee,” Police Chief Elaine Bryant said. “We can say that we have the suspect's vehicle on neighborhood video surveillance arriving just before the murders and leaving shortly after. Detectives were able to link this vehicle to McKee.”
Columbus Police tell ABC 6 multiple guns were obtained from McKee‘s Chicago condo, including the weapon used during the murders.
"Multiple weapons were taken from the property of McKee," she said during CPD's first news conference about the case, 16 days after Spencer and Monique Tepe were found shot to death in their Weinland Park home. "And there is a preliminary link ... to one of the weapons that ties it to the homicides."
Watch the CPD news conference below:
Bryant added that because the investigation remains ongoing, she wasn't able to share more specific details about the guns that were found.
What we can say, this was a targeted attack," CPD Chief Elaine Bryant said. "This was a domestic violence-related attack.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther thanked the media for sharing the suspect video, as well as the community for providing tips.
"The tips that were submitted for this case mattered," he said.
“There are some things that we can't share for investigative purposes, but what I can tell you again is that we didn't have any reports as it relates to the ex-husband and Monique Tepe,” Chief Bryant added.
Ginther also expressed thoughts and prayers to the Tepe family and other Ohio families affected by homicide.
“I’m grateful to the Division of Police for their professionalism and persistence and for their tireless work and collaboration that led to this arrest," Ginther said. "They followed the facts and evaluated every credible lead with intentionality, integrity, and care for the victims and their families.”
“Our detectives work around the clock to be able to solve this case.” Chief Bryant said. “But it's equally important to know that while this is gaining national attention, we work around the clock to solve all of our homicide cases.”
When will McKee be extradited?
Assistant Police Chief Greg Bodker answered questions related to McKee's upcoming extradition.
"We have policy related to extraditions," he said. "Felony warrants out of state are primarily handled by extradition companies, and so the determination of whether or not it will be detectives from Columbus [is not yet determined]."
McKee is the ex-husband of Monique Tepe and is accused of killing her and her husband in their home on Dec. 30.
McKee was arrested in Illinois on Saturday and is now charged with two counts of aggravated murder - premeditated, which could bring the death penalty if he's convicted in the case. McKee appeared in court Monday in Illinois and waived his right to extradition.
The Tepes' two children , ages 4 and 1, were found unharmed inside the home.
The case has drawn national attention.












