Doctor Charged with Double Murder Post-Divorce
Michael McKee, a 39-year-old vascular surgeon, was charged with four counts of aggravated murder on Friday, related to the deaths of his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her new husband, Spencer Tepe. This incident took place on December 30 in their Columbus home. McKee, who has worked across four states, was arrested in Illinois and is currently awaiting extradition to Ohio.
The charges against McKee include three counts related to the use of firearms, specifically mentioning an automatic weapon in one instance. Additionally, he faces a charge of aggravated theft.
According to authorities, he allegedly shot and killed Monique, 39, and Spencer, 37, in the early hours of December 30. After the killing, McKee was apprehended on January 10. It’s worth noting that months before the incident, a divorce case between him and Monique unexpectedly resurfaced, despite their separation in 2016. Their divorce was finalized in 2017, with no children involved.
Monique later married Spencer Tepe in December 2020. Family members recalled McKee’s behavior, labeling him as abusive and a “monster,” particularly during his time with Monique. Rob Misley, Spencer’s brother-in-law, expressed that the family immediately suspected McKee’s involvement in their deaths. Misley stated, “He was emotionally abusive when we were together,” highlighting the tense history between McKee and Monique.
McKee’s Professional Journey
McKee’s education traces back to 2005 when he entered Ohio State University and later earned his medical degree there, completing his surgical internship and residency in Virginia. After moving through several positions, he worked as a vascular surgeon in multiple states, including Nevada and Illinois. However, it seems his career faced troubles as he was involved in multiple medical malpractice suits before the murders.
In federal court records, McKee had been sued in a civil rights and medical negligence lawsuit in June 2024. Attorney Dan Laird, familiar with McKee’s situation, mentioned how surprising it was given McKee’s prior professional behavior; Laird said that such responsible professionals usually don’t just vanish.
The investigation continues, with the community reeling from the shocking events. This tragic case is a stark reminder of the complexities of personal relationships and the unforeseen consequences that can arise from them.
