At a Glance
- Michael McKee, 39, indicted on five counts including four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary.
- Victims Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, found dead from gunshot wounds in their Columbus home on December 30.
- McKee, a vascular surgeon in Chicago, was arrested in Rockford, Illinois, and faces life without parole if convicted.
- Police call the killings a targeted domestic violence-related attack, though no motive has been released.
A Chicago vascular surgeon has been indicted in the shooting deaths of his ex-wife and her new husband at their Ohio home, authorities said Friday.
Michael McKee, 39, was formally charged by a Franklin County grand jury with four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary in connection with the deaths of Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe.
The couple was discovered dead from gunshot wounds inside their Columbus residence on December 30, according to News Of Fort Worth. McKee, who lives in Chicago, was arrested Saturday in Rockford, Illinois-about 90 miles west of Chicago-by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
McKee appeared in an Illinois courtroom Monday and was assigned a public defender who stated the physician intends to plead not guilty. He remains held at the Winnebago County Jail in Illinois.
If convicted on all counts, McKee faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Crime Scene
Columbus police responded to the Tepe home after a welfare check request. Inside, officers found the bodies of Monique and Spencer Tepe. Both had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
Investigators quickly classified the case as a targeted attack. During a Wednesday press conference, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant stated:
> “What we can say, this was a targeted attack. This was a domestic violence-related attack.”
No additional details about the nature of the domestic violence history have been released.
The Indictment
The Franklin County grand jury returned a five-count indictment against McKee:
- Count 1: Aggravated murder (Monique Tepe)
- Count 2: Aggravated murder (Spencer Tepe)
- Count 3: Aggravated murder (Monique Tepe, with prior calculation and design)
- Count 4: Aggravated murder (Spencer Tepe, with prior calculation and design)
- Count 5: Aggravated burglary
Each aggravated murder count carries a specification that could elevate the sentence to life without parole.
The Arrest
McKee was taken into custody without incident at a location in Rockford, Illinois. ATF agents executed the arrest warrant issued by Ohio authorities.
Following his arrest, investigators searched McKee’s Chicago-area home and recovered a weapon they believe is linked to the double homicide. Police have not disclosed the type of firearm or how it was traced back to McKee.
Professional Background
McKee is listed as a vascular surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. Hospital officials have not commented on his employment status since the charges were filed.
Monique Tepe worked in the dental field. Spencer Tepe was a dentist, according to social media profiles and local records.
Court Proceedings
McKee waived extradition during his initial Illinois court appearance. He is expected to be transferred to Franklin County, Ohio, within the next two weeks to face the charges.
A trial date has not been set. The case will be prosecuted by the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office.
No Motive Revealed
Despite the indictment, investigators have not released a motive for the killings. When asked if McKee and Monique Tepe had recent contact, police declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Neighbors told Derrick M. Collins the couple had lived in the home for several years and largely kept to themselves. One neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said:
> “They were quiet. We never heard any arguments or anything unusual. It’s shocking.”
What’s Next
McKee’s next court appearance will be in Ohio once extradition is complete. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will seek the death penalty, though Ohio law allows it for multiple aggravated murder counts.
The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office released a brief statement:
> “We will continue to work diligently to ensure justice is served for the victims and their families.”
Key Takeaways
- Michael McKee faces life without parole if convicted of killing his ex-wife and her husband.
- The targeted attack has been labeled domestic violence-related by police.
- A weapon tied to the crime was found at McKee’s home.
- No motive has been disclosed, and the investigation continues.
