At a Glance
- Michael David McKee, 39, faces two counts of premeditated aggravated murder for the deaths of his ex-wife Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband Spencer Tepe, 37.
- The couple was found shot to death in their Columbus, Ohio, home on Dec. 30 while their two young children were inside unharmed.
- McKee, a vascular surgeon licensed in California and Illinois, was arrested in Illinois and is expected to waive extradition to Ohio.
Why it matters: The case highlights how domestic violence can escalate years after divorce, with the suspect allegedly traveling across state lines to commit the killings.
A Chicago vascular surgeon stands accused of executing a meticulously planned double homicide that claimed the lives of his ex-wife and her new husband in their Ohio home, leaving their two small children physically unharmed but orphaned.
Upgraded Charges In Ohio
Franklin County prosecutors have formally charged Michael David McKee with two counts of premeditated aggravated murder, court records show. The upgraded charges signal prosecutors believe the killings were deliberate and calculated.
McKee was arrested Saturday in Illinois after Columbus police identified him as the prime suspect in the Dec. 30 slayings. He appeared Monday in Winnebago County court wearing a yellow jail jumpsuit, hands and feet shackled, represented by public defender Carie Poirier.
“He plans to plead not guilty to the charges and is hoping for a speedy transfer to Ohio by waiving extradition,” Poirier told the court.
During the brief hearing, McKee spoke only to state his name for the record.
Timeline Of The Killings
The murder timeline outlined by investigators paints a chilling picture:
- 2 a.m.-5 a.m., Dec. 30: Monique and Spencer Tepe believed to have been killed
- 10 a.m.: 911 caller reports seeing a body and blood inside the home
- Dec. 30 afternoon: Friends and co-workers grew worried when Spencer, a dentist, failed to show up for work
- Dec. 30: Columbus police release surveillance video of hooded person of interest near the home
- Saturday: McKee arrested in Illinois
The county coroner’s report lists the cause of death for both victims as homicide by gunshot wounds, though the medical examiner noted the case remains open pending final autopsy results.
Domestic Violence History
Family members say they quickly suspected McKee once they learned of the couple’s deaths.
“He was an emotionally abusive person when they were together, that is all I know,” said Rob Misleh, Spencer Tepe’s brother-in-law, in an interview with Megan L. Whitfield.
Misleh described McKee’s arrest as “an important step toward justice” for the slain couple, though he added nothing can undo the family’s loss.
Court records show McKee and Monique divorced in 2017 after just two years of marriage. Since then, Monique had built a new life with Spencer, marrying in January 2021 in a Columbus ceremony captured on video.
In her vows, Monique told Spencer: “I had quite a journey to get to you, countless bad Bumble dates, wrong relationships and waterfalls of tears, but it was worth every cringing second because it led me to you.”
Cross-State Investigation
The investigation spanned multiple states as authorities tracked McKee from Ohio back to Illinois.
Columbus police previously released surveillance footage showing a hooded figure walking in an alley near the Tepes’ home the night of the killings. Officials declined to confirm whether they believe McKee is the person in that video, citing the ongoing investigation.
McKee currently holds medical licenses in both California and Illinois, according to online licensing records. He graduated from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in 2014 and completed vascular surgery training.
His Nevada medical license expired in June, records show. No malpractice claims or disciplinary actions appear in his file.
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois-more than 400 miles northwest of Columbus-lists McKee as a vascular surgeon on staff. A hospital spokesperson said the facility is cooperating with law enforcement.
Legal Next Steps
McKee remains held without bond at Winnebago County Jail while awaiting transfer to Ohio.
By waiving extradition, he could be moved to Franklin County within days to face arraignment on the aggravated murder charges. Ohio prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek the death penalty.
Investigators have not disclosed a possible motive for the killings or whether McKee left any digital or physical evidence tying him to the crime scene.
The couple’s two young children, found unharmed inside the home, are now being cared for by relatives.
