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Ex-Husband Waives Extradition in Ohio Double Homicide Case
A former Chicago-area doctor has agreed to return to Ohio to face charges in the premeditated aggravated murder of his ex-wife and her husband, bringing an end to a nearly two-week examination that captivated the nation. Michael David McKee, 39, waived his right to an extradition hearing in Winnebago County, Illinois, on Monday, paving the way for his trial in Franklin County, Ohio.
The case centers around the deaths of Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, who were found shot to death in their Columbus home on December 30th. authorities allege McKee, who divorced Monique in 2017, is responsible for the killings. He was arrested on Saturday in Winnebago county, Illinois, and appeared in court expressionless, wearing a yellow jumpsuit and shackles.
According to Tom Jakeway, trial court administrator for the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, the Winnebago County sheriff’s office will coordinate McKee’s transfer to Ohio. The arrest follows a period of intense speculation, fueled by the lack of forced entry at the Tepes’ residence, the absence of a weapon at the scene, and the fact that nothing appeared to be stolen. investigators quickly ruled out murder-suicide.
The family of the victims released a statement expressing gratitude for the swift action taken by law enforcement. “Monique and Spencer remain at the center of our hearts, and we carry forward their love as we surround and protect the two children they leave behind,” the statement read. “we will continue to honor their lives and the light they brought into this world.”
The initial alarm was raised when Spencer Tepe, a dentist, failed to appear for work on December 30th at his practice in Athens, Ohio, approximately 75 miles southeast of Columbus. His manager reported his absence as highly unusual. A subsequent wellness check conducted by Columbus police led to the grim revelation of the couple’s bodies.While official reports from the Franklin County coroner’s office are still pending,a spokesperson confirmed last week that the deaths were the result of “apparent homicide by gunshot wounds.”
Investigators released security footage on Tuesday of a person of interest, clad in a dark hoodie and light-colored pants, walking near the Tepes’ home between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. – the estimated time of the attack. The release of the footage generated numerous leads, ultimately directing the manhunt to McKee’s apartment.
Court records indicate McKee and Monique Tepe married in 2015 and filed for divorce two years later. Records list a Lincoln Park high-rise as McKee’s current address, though he has also maintained residences in Nevada, Virginia, and Ohio. He is a licensed vascular surgeon, currently holding active licenses in Illinois and California, wiht a previously held license in Nevada now expired. He is affiliated with OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, which has stated it is indeed cooperating with authorities. McKee graduated from Ohio State University college of Medicine in 2014.
Monique Tepe remarried to Spencer Tepe in 2020. Family members have described the couple as “extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy and deep connection to others.” Spencer Tepe was a graduate of Ohio State University and actively involved in the American Dental Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Monique Tepe was remembered as a devoted mother,passionate baker,and meticulous planner.
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