Surgeon Formally Charged in Shocking Double Murder Case
A grand jury in Ohio has indicted an Illinois-based surgeon for the double homicide of his ex-wife and her husband in a case that captivated the United States. Michael David McKee, 39, faces charges of aggravated murder and aggravated burglary while using a firearm suppressor.
Details of the December Killings
The charges relate to the fatal shootings of 39-year-old Monique Tepe and her husband, 37-year-old dentist Dr Spencer Tepe, in their Columbus home on 30 December. McKee, a vascular surgeon from Chicago, was divorced from Monique Tepe in 2017. Authorities apprehended him in Rockford, Illinois, on 10 January.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant stated that investigators now believe McKee was the individual seen on video walking down a dark alley near the victims' home on the night of the murders. His vehicle was also identified in the area, and a firearm recovered from his Illinois residence matched evidence from the crime scene.
Community Tips Led to Breakthrough
The case had initially puzzled investigators, as there were no obvious signs of forced entry at the couple's home, no weapon was found there, and murder-suicide was ruled out. Notably, nothing was stolen, and the couple's two young children and dog were unharmed.
Chief Bryant credited the public for providing crucial information. "We want to thank our community specifically for stepping up, reaching out, giving us the information and being open to sharing that with us," she said. "It has been tremendous." The influx of emails, phone calls, and messages helped police gather enough evidence to make an arrest.
McKee, who worked at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, waived his right to an extradition hearing on Monday, 12 January 2026. He is currently being held, with his next hearing in Winnebago County, Illinois, scheduled for 23 January. No attorney is yet listed for him in court documents.
