BREAKING: Illinois Surgeon Michael McKee Arrested in Connection with Double Murder of Ex-Wife Monique Tepe and Her Husband Spencer Tepe in Columbus, Ohio
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Columbus, Ohio – Michael David McKee, 39, a vascular surgeon from the Chicago area (previously working in Rockford, Illinois), was arrested on January 10, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois, and charged in the fatal shootings of his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband, dentist Spencer Tepe, 37.
The couple was discovered shot to death in their Weinland Park home on the 1400 block of North 4th Street in Columbus on December 30, 2025, following a well-being check by Columbus police. Their two young children were found unharmed inside the residence, along with the family dog. Authorities quickly ruled out murder-suicide due to the absence of a weapon at the scene and no signs of forced entry.
McKee, who was married to Monique Tepe from 2015 until their divorce in 2017, faces four counts of aggravated murder (including premeditated specifications) and one count of aggravated burglary while using a firearm suppressor. A Franklin County grand jury indicted him on January 16, 2026. He was extradited to Ohio on January 20 and booked into the Franklin County jail, where he remains held without bond.
Newly unsealed court documents, including a probable cause affidavit, reveal chilling allegations:
- Witnesses reported that McKee had threatened Monique Tepe during and after their marriage, stating he “could kill her at any time,” would “find her,” and buy a house next to hers, insisting she would “always be his wife.”
- Security footage allegedly captured McKee entering or lurking near the Tepe home on December 6, 2025 (weeks before the murders), while the couple was away attending the Big Ten Championship game.
- Investigators identified McKee through neighborhood surveillance video and other evidence, including his alleged decision to leave his phone at work around the time of the killings.
McKee pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. His defense attorney, Diane Menashe, entered the pleas on his behalf and waived bond at the initial appearance. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence with parole eligibility after 32 years (or more severe penalties under aggravated murder specifications).
Family members of the Tepes have described Monique as having escaped an abusive marriage to McKee, with one relative stating she “just had to get away from him.” The Tepe family praised Columbus police for their “tireless” investigation leading to the arrest.
The case has drawn national attention due to the domestic violence history allegations, the professions of the victims (Monique worked in healthcare-related fields, Spencer was a practicing dentist), and the fact that the couple’s young children were present but unharmed.
Posted in: Homicides, Domestic Violence, Ohio Crimes
Tags: Michael McKee, Monique Tepe, Spencer Tepe, Columbus Murder, Double Homicide, Ex-Husband Arrest, Aggravated Murder, Franklin County, Vascular Surgeon, Dentist Killed
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