At a Glance
- Michael McKee, 39, was arrested Jan. 10 at a Chick-fil-A in Rockford, Illinois
- A grand jury indicted him on four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary
- The victims, Monique and Spencer Tepe, were shot in their Columbus home while their young children slept nearby
- Why it matters: The case highlights how domestic disputes can escalate to tragic violence, leaving children orphaned
A vascular surgeon is behind bars after federal agents arrested him at a fast-food restaurant in connection with the double murder of his ex-wife and her new husband.
Michael McKee was taken into custody by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on January 10 at approximately 10:30 a.m. The arrest occurred at a Chick-fil-A located near his medical office in Rockford, Illinois-about 80 miles west of his Chicago penthouse.
The Arrest and Charges
Following his arrest, McKee was booked into the Winnebago County Jail, where he currently awaits extradition to Ohio. Court records indicate he is scheduled for a status hearing on January 23 if he remains in custody.
The legal situation escalated when a Franklin County grand jury indicted McKee on January 16. The indictment includes:
- Four counts of aggravated murder
- One count of aggravated burglary
Authorities allege McKee shot Monique and Spencer Tepe inside their Columbus residence shortly before 4 a.m. on December 30. The couple’s two children-ages 3 years and 17 months-were asleep just feet away from where their parents were killed.
The Investigation
Columbus police connected McKee to the crime through surveillance footage. According to investigators, neighborhood cameras captured a vehicle arriving and leaving the area around the time of the murders. Police later linked this vehicle to McKee.
During a search of McKee’s property, law enforcement discovered a weapon similar to the one believed to have been used in the killings. Chief Elaine Bryant revealed this finding during a January 14 news conference.
After his arrest, McKee invoked his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and refused to speak with detectives. The public defender representing him in Winnebago County informed the court during his January 12 appearance that McKee planned to plead not guilty to the murder charges while waiving his extradition hearing.
Background on the Relationships
McKee and Monique first met while attending Ohio State University. They married in 2015 and relocated to Virginia for McKee’s medical career. However, their union lasted only seven months before they separated, with their divorce finalized in 2017.
Monique found love again in 2018 when she met Spencer Tepe. The couple purchased a home in Columbus and married in December 2020.
Friends of Monique told News Of Los Angeles they were unaware of any recent interactions between Monique and her ex-husband. The apparent lack of ongoing contact makes the violent turn of events even more perplexing to those who knew the family.
McKee’s Professional Life
Since graduating from medical school, McKee had moved around the country for his career. He purchased a penthouse condo in Chicago in 2023. Prior to his Chicago move, he had been working in Las Vegas.
His professional reputation faced challenges before the murder charges. Just three months before the killings, McKee was named as a defendant in an amended medical malpractice complaint.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Prosecutors have made it clear that McKee faces severe consequences if convicted. The charges carry the possibility of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The case has drawn attention to the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of protecting victims. The tragedy has left two young children without their parents, forever changing the trajectory of their lives.
Key Takeaways
- The arrest of a respected surgeon for double murder has shocked the medical community
- The case demonstrates how surveillance technology plays a crucial role in modern criminal investigations
- The involvement of federal agencies highlights the serious nature of interstate criminal investigations
- The impact on the victims’ children underscores the far-reaching consequences of domestic violence
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, resources are available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.
