UPDATE: A surgeon accused of the shocking double murder of his ex-wife and her dentist husband in Ohio has just pleaded not guilty during a remote court appearance. Michael McKee, 39, stands accused of killing Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband Spencer Tepe, 37, in their Columbus home on December 30, 2023.
McKee was extradited to Ohio from Rockford, Illinois, where he was arrested on January 10, 2024. He faces four counts of premeditated aggravated murder, alongside charges of aggravated burglary. The court has confirmed that McKee will remain in custody at the James A. Karnes Corrections Center pending further proceedings.
This case has garnered national attention due to the brutal nature of the crimes and the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths. Authorities report that the killings occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., when a friend found the couple dead during a wellness check after they failed to respond to phone calls.
“There’s a body,” the caller stated in a distressed 911 call. “He appears dead. He’s lying next to his bed, off of his bed in this blood.”
McKee, who was married to Monique for just seven months before their divorce, was allegedly identified through surveillance footage linking a vehicle to the crime scene. Police located the car in Rockford, which led them to McKee, where evidence collected suggested a connection to the murders.
Police seized several weapons from McKee’s property, with preliminary links indicating that at least one of these firearms was used in the killings. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant emphasized the ongoing investigation, stating, “We are committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event.”
McKee’s attorney, Diane Menashe, known for her high-profile defense work, including the acquittal of Dr. William Husel, has taken on this challenging case. The courtroom is expected to be closely monitored as the situation develops, with the next hearing set to attract significant media attention.
The emotional toll on the families involved is profound. Monique and Spencer’s two young children were found unharmed at the scene, raising serious concerns about their well-being following such a traumatic event. Friends of the couple revealed that they were just weeks away from celebrating their five-year anniversary.
As the case unfolds, many are left to ponder the implications of this tragedy on the community and the families involved. The next court date will be critical in determining the trajectory of this high-stakes murder trial that has shocked Ohio and beyond.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates on this developing story. This case continues to raise questions about safety and justice in our communities.
