Surgeon Extradited in Ohio Murder Case
A surgeon, who is accused of murdering his ex-wife and her husband in Ohio, has been extradited from Illinois and is currently held in a Columbus prison, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Michael McKee was taken into custody on January 10, suspected of fatally shooting 37-year-old Spencer Tepe and his ex-wife, 39-year-old Monique Tepe, in their home located in the Wineland Park area of Columbus on December 30, during the early morning hours. McKee, noted as Monique’s former husband, is now facing serious charges.
According to the sheriff’s spokesperson, McKee is facing a potential enhanced charge of premeditated aggravated murder related to the deaths of Spencer and Monique. He waived his rights to contest extradition during a court session in Illinois on January 12 while being held at Winnebago County Jail.
Investigators reportedly linked McKee to the crime through a vehicle found in Spencer’s neighborhood shortly before and after the murder. This car, later located in Rockford, Illinois, was connected to McKee.
On Friday, he was formally charged with four counts of aggravated murder, each linked to the use of a firearm. This includes allegations regarding the displaying or using of an automatic weapon, as well as a charge for aggravated theft, classified as a first-degree felony.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant noted that firearms were recovered from McKee’s residence, with at least one being linked to the murders. However, when questioned about the status of the weapon, Bryant stated that investigations were ongoing and could not confirm whether the gun was legally obtained.
Police found three spent 9 mm shell casings at the crime scene, which have been recorded as evidence. Nevertheless, a preliminary report does not specify the weapon involved in the killings. Reports indicate that friends of the Tepe couple discovered them deceased after failing to reach them by phone, prompting an unsettling 911 call detailing the scene.
McKee had a brief marriage to Monique, which lasted seven months after their wedding on August 22, 2015. During her divorce filing, Monique cited that the pair were “incompatible.” Meanwhile, family members shared that the couple was planning to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary just a month prior to their tragic deaths.
