Michael David McKee has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, and her husband

A neighbor of Michael David McKee has spoken out after he was charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, and her husband, Spencer Tepe

“He did not seem like somebody who would do something like this,” said Gera-Lind Kolarik

Monique and Spencer were fatally shot inside their home in Columbus, Ohio, on December 30th, and their two young children were later found physically unharmed

A neighbor of Michael David McKee, the man who has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, and her husband, Spencer Tepe, has spoken out about the “shocking” tragedy.

The Arrest

McKee, 39, was arrested and charged on Saturday, January 10th, after Monique, 39, and Spencer, 37, were fatally shot inside their home in Columbus, Ohio, on December 30th. (Their two young children were later found physically unharmed.)

Following McKee’s arrest, his neighbor, Gera-Lind Kolarik, told ABC 7 Chicago, “He did not seem like somebody who would do something like this.”

“I sat down with this man and talked with him at the pool, barbecuing, about what a beautiful day it is—and then he turns out to be [charged as] a killer. It’s kind of shocking,” Kolarik added of McKee, who has not been convicted of any crimes.

Charges and Custody

McKee was arrested and charged with two counts of murder on January 10th, according to Franklin County Municipal Court documents viewed by PEOPLE.

Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office court records show that McKee was booked shortly before 12 p.m. local time. He will remain there until authorities extradite him to Franklin County, where he is scheduled for a hearing on Monday, January 12th.

How the Bodies Were Discovered

The Tepes were found dead after friends and co-workers made several 911 calls requesting a welfare check.

One co-worker was concerned after they tried contacting Spencer three times, while another friend, calling from outside the couple’s residence, told dispatchers he could hear their children, ages 4 and 1, crying inside, per 911 call recordings obtained by PEOPLE.

The Investigation

According to a complaint obtained by PEOPLE, police were able to identify the suspect as McKee by using neighborhood video surveillance to link a car to him.

Authorities then found evidence of McKee “in possession of the vehicle prior to and after the homicides.”

Cause of Death

The Office of Coroner Nathaniel R. Overmire at the Franklin County Forensic Science Center told PEOPLE the apparent causes of the deaths of Monique and Spencer were gunshot wounds.

An official cause of death for both has yet to be released, pending other details, including toxicology reports.

In an incident report reviewed by PEOPLE, the Columbus Division of Police said Monique and Spencer were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Children Left Behind

A GoFundMe has since been set up to assist the couple’s two young children.

A Neighbor’s Shock

Kolarik’s comments reflect the disbelief many neighbors and acquaintances feel when someone they know is charged with such serious crimes. Her description of casual, friendly interactions with McKee—conversations at the pool and during barbecues—paints a picture of someone who appeared ordinary and neighborly.

This disconnect between the person she knew socially and the person now charged with double murder underscores how difficult it can be to reconcile someone’s public persona with alleged criminal behavior.

The Victims Remembered

Spencer Tepe, 37, worked as a dentist at Athens Dental Depot in Athens, Ohio. Colleagues described him as reliable and dedicated, noting that his failure to show up for work without notice was completely out of character and prompted the initial welfare check.

Monique Tepe, 39, was described by family members as a devoted mother to the couple’s two young children. The tragedy has left their 4-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son without parents, now in the care of family members who are grappling with unimaginable loss.

Timeline of Events

The murders occurred on December 30th, with the bodies discovered the same day after multiple concerned calls to authorities. Police initially had few leads, but surveillance footage proved crucial in identifying McKee as a suspect.

The investigation moved quickly once McKee was identified, with his arrest coming less than two weeks after the murders. Authorities were able to trace his movements before and after the killings through video evidence and vehicle tracking.

Legal Process Ahead

McKee now faces two counts of murder and awaits extradition to Franklin County, where the crimes occurred. His preliminary hearing scheduled for Monday, January 12th, will be an early step in what is likely to be a lengthy legal process.

As an ex-husband of one of the victims, McKee’s potential motive will likely be scrutinized during the investigation and any subsequent trial. However, authorities have not publicly commented on what may have motivated the alleged killings.

Community Impact

The murders have shaken the Weinland Park neighborhood where the Tepes lived, as well as McKee’s community in Winnebago County. Residents in both areas are grappling with the violence that occurred and the revelation that someone living among them has been charged with such serious crimes.

The dental community in Athens, Ohio, is also mourning the loss of Spencer Tepe, with his practice closing temporarily to honor his memory and allow staff to grieve.

Support for the Children

The GoFundMe established for the Tepe children reflects the community’s desire to help in whatever way possible. The two young children, ages 4 and 1, will need ongoing support as they grow up without their parents and eventually come to understand the tragic circumstances of their loss.

Family members, including Rob Misleh (married to Spencer’s sister), have expressed commitment to ensuring the children know about their parents and receive the love and care they need.

As the legal case against McKee proceeds, the focus for many remains on supporting these two innocent children who survived a horrific tragedy and now face a future without their mother and father.