An Illinois-based surgeon accused of killing his former wife and her current husband has been extradited to Ohio, where prosecutors have formally charged him with multiple counts of aggravated murder. The case has drawn national attention due to the defendant’s medical background, the nature of the allegations, and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Michael McKee, a 39-year-old vascular surgeon, was transferred from custody in Illinois to Franklin County, Ohio, after waiving extradition. He is expected to appear before the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas as the criminal proceedings move forward.
Fatal Shooting Discovered in Columbus Home
The charges stem from a December incident in which Monique Tepe, McKee’s former spouse, and her husband, Spencer Tepe, a dentist, were found shot to death inside their Columbus-area residence. Authorities reported that the couple’s two young children were inside the home at the time of the shootings but were not physically harmed.
First responders were dispatched to the home after receiving reports of gunfire. Investigators later confirmed that both victims died from multiple gunshot wounds. Law enforcement officials have described the killings as a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence.
Criminal Charges and Allegations
A Franklin County grand jury indicted McKee on four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated robbery. Under Ohio law, aggravated murder is among the most serious criminal offenses and carries the possibility of life imprisonment without parole if convicted.
Prosecutors allege that McKee traveled from Illinois to Ohio with the intent to kill the couple and then fled the state following the shootings. Court filings indicate that surveillance footage, license plate data, and digital records were used to track McKee’s movements around the time of the crime.
Investigators also recovered a firearm from McKee’s Illinois property that authorities believe is consistent with ballistics evidence collected at the scene. Prosecutors have not yet disclosed whether forensic testing conclusively links the weapon to the shootings, but they have described the evidence as significant.
Arrest in Illinois and Extradition
McKee was arrested in Rockford, Illinois, in early January, roughly 10 days after the killings. He was taken into custody near his place of employment and held at the Winnebago County Jail while awaiting extradition proceedings.
During a court appearance in Illinois, McKee invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and did not address the allegations. His defense attorney stated that McKee intends to plead not guilty and contest the charges in Ohio court.
After waiving extradition, McKee was transported under guard to Franklin County, where he remains in custody without bond pending further hearings.
Relationship History Central to Case
According to court records and publicly available information, McKee and Monique Tepe met while attending Ohio State University and married in 2015. Their marriage ended in divorce approximately two years later. Monique subsequently married Spencer Tepe in 2020.
While prosecutors have not publicly detailed a motive, investigators have acknowledged that the prior relationship between McKee and Monique Tepe is a central focus of the case. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing as additional evidence is reviewed.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
McKee’s initial appearance in Ohio court is expected to include a formal reading of charges, confirmation of legal representation, and scheduling of future hearings. Prosecutors are anticipated to argue for continued detention due to the severity of the charges and the alleged flight risk.
If the case proceeds to trial, it is likely to involve extensive forensic evidence, digital data analysis, and testimony regarding McKee’s movements before and after the killings. Given the complexity of the allegations and the seriousness of the charges, legal experts anticipate a lengthy pretrial process.
Broader Legal Implications
The case underscores how advances in surveillance technology, license plate tracking, and digital forensics have become central tools in modern homicide investigations. It also highlights how defendants with professional backgrounds are not immune from
aggressive prosecution when evidence supports criminal charges.
As the legal process unfolds, McKee remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Further updates are expected as prosecutors release additional details and court proceedings continue in Franklin County.
Looking to advance your legal career or stay competitive in a rapidly changing legal market? Explore thousands of verified attorney jobs, law firm openings, and in-house legal roles at
LawCrossing, the trusted resource for legal professionals seeking their next opportunity.
