Vascular Surgeon Arrested in Ohio Dentist and Wife’s December Murders
A Chicago-based vascular surgeon, Michael David McKee, 39, has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Ohio dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39. The couple was found fatally shot in their Columbus, Ohio, home on December 30th, sparking a month-long investigation that culminated in McKee’s arrest on Saturday.
The Columbus Police Department responded to the Tepe’s residence in the Weinland Park neighborhood after Dr. Tepe failed to appear for work. Upon arrival, officers discovered both victims suffering from gunshot wounds, ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.
McKee was taken into custody in Chicago and is awaiting extradition to Franklin County, Ohio, where he is scheduled to appear in court on January 12th, according to reports from The Columbus Dispatch. The investigation revealed a prior connection between McKee and Monique Tepe; the pair were married from 2015 until their divorce was finalized in 2017. Sources indicate the divorce proceedings appeared to be amicable, with McKee residing in Virginia at the time.
The Tepe’s were reportedly preparing to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary when the tragic incident occurred. A family member told WSYX that the couple was excitedly anticipating the milestone.
Police tracked McKee’s movements through neighborhood surveillance footage, identifying a vehicle matching his as arriving shortly before the estimated time of the murders and departing shortly after. Court documents further placed the vehicle near McKee’s workplace in Rockford, Illinois. Recovered video footage allegedly shows McKee walking in an alley near the Tepe’s residence.
Authorities have not yet released a definitive motive for the shooting. However, a brother-in-law of the slain dentist indicated a 911 call related to a “domestic dispute” originated from a party guest, not Monique Tepe herself.
Despite the couple sharing no children together, Monique Tepe had two young children with her husband, who were unharmed and present in the home when police arrived.
McKee holds active medical licenses in both Illinois and California, and is a graduate of Ohio State University’s medical school, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch. He also maintains family ties in Zanesville, Ohio, east of Columbus.
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The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to the tragic deaths of Dr. Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe.
