Surgeon charged with killing ex-spouse, partner keeps defense lawyer

Ohio Surgeon Accused of Double Murder Hires Defense Attorney

A surgeon in Ohio, who stands accused of fatally shooting his ex-wife and her dentist husband in their home, has enlisted the help of a local defense attorney known for involvement in another notable murder case.

Michael McKee is facing four counts of aggravated murder, each one accompanied by firearm specifications. He is now represented by attorney Diane Menashe, as per court documents. Menashe filed her notice of representation on January 22.

With 27 years of legal experience, Menashe currently operates her own firm. She previously defended Dr. William Husel, an Ohio physician who was acquitted of all 14 murder charges in 2022. The allegations against Husel revolved around his prescribing of excessive painkillers to patients at the Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus.

Authorities say McKee is accused of shooting Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, at their home in Wineland Park, Columbus, during the early hours of December 30. Interestingly, McKee is Monique’s ex-husband.

After a week-long search, McKee was apprehended in Illinois on January 10 and transferred back to Ohio. He remains in custody at the Franklin County Jail. Initially charged with several counts of murder, authorities later escalated the charges to premeditated aggravated murder, with some specifications involving the use of automatic weapons and silencers. Aside from these, he also faces a charge of aggravated theft.

Investigators reportedly found firearms at McKee’s residence, including a weapon believed to be the murder weapon. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant commented on the legal status of the firearm, saying, “Unfortunately, we cannot answer that question at this time,” indicating ongoing investigations.

A link between McKee and a vehicle seen near the Tepes’ home just before and after the shooting was established by police. This vehicle was later traced back to McKee in Rockford, Illinois.

McKee’s arraignment is scheduled for January 23 in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. He and Monique were married for seven months after their wedding on August 22, 2015, but later separated, with Monique citing incompatibility as the reason for the divorce. As McKee was finishing his medical residency at Virginia Tech’s Carilion Clinic, he and Monique were going through this tumultuous phase in their lives.

Rob Misley, the brother-in-law of Spencer Tepe, mentioned that the couple was preparing to celebrate their fifth anniversary just a month before the tragic event.