Michael McKee, 39, appeared in Winnebago County Court on Monday shackled and in a yellow jumpsuit, charged with two counts of aggravated murder with premeditation in the Dec. 30 deaths of Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband Spencer Tepe, 37, in Columbus, Ohio.
McKee, a vascular surgeon, was arrested Jan. 10 in Rockford, Illinois, after police traced a car seen on neighborhood security footage to his Illinois apartment 400 miles from the crime scene.
At a Glance
- McKee is accused of killing the couple while their two young children slept nearby
- He waived extradition and will be returned to Ohio by week’s end
- His public defender stated he will plead not guilty
- Why it matters: The case highlights the vulnerability of families even after divorce and the use of surveillance footage to quickly identify suspects
Court Appearance and Charges
Assistant Public Defender Carrie Poirier told the judge that McKee would invoke his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and waive extradition proceedings. He is expected to be transported back to Franklin County, Ohio, for formal arraignment on the aggravated murder charges.
If convicted, McKee faces life imprisonment or the death penalty under Ohio law.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 2015 | McKee and Monique marry |
| Mar. 2016 | Couple separates after seven months |
| June 2017 | Divorce finalized |
| Dec. 13, 2020 | Monique marries Spencer Tepe |
| Dec. 30, 2024 | Couple found shot to death around 4 a.m. |
| Jan. 10, 2025 | McKee arrested in Rockford, Illinois |
The Night of the Murders
Spencer’s coworkers discovered the couple’s bodies after he failed to show up for work on Dec. 30. A 911 caller reported hearing the children crying inside the home and found Spencer dead in his bedroom. Both victims died from gunshot wounds.
The killings occurred just days after the couple celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary.
Background and Relationship History
McKee and Monique separated after only seven months of marriage. Following the divorce, Monique returned to Ohio and began dating Spencer after meeting him online. Spencer, a dentist, purchased their Columbus home in 2020, and the couple welcomed a son and daughter in the following years.
After completing his residency, McKee moved to Las Vegas and later purchased a Chicago penthouse in 2025 while working in Rockford, Illinois.
Investigation and Arrest
Police obtained neighborhood security footage showing a car arriving and leaving around the time of the murders, according to the probable cause affidavit. Investigators located the vehicle in Rockford, leading to McKee’s arrest.
The public defender did not respond to News Of Losangeles‘s request for comment.
Key Takeaways
- McKee’s court appearance marks the first step in what could become a death penalty case
- The couple’s young children were present but unharmed during the attack
- Security footage played a crucial role in identifying the suspect
- McKee’s waiver of extradition expedites his return to Ohio for prosecution
