Columbus, Ohio – A surgeon accused of killing his ex-wife and her husband in a double homicide case in Ohio has been extradited from Illinois and is now being held in jail in Columbus, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The case, detailed in court filings and confirmed by law enforcement, was reported by Fox News Digital.
Suspect Returned to Ohio After Waiving Extradition
Michael McKee was arrested on January 10 and extradited to Ohio after waiving his extradition rights during a January 12 court hearing in Illinois. He had been held at the Winnebago County Jail before being transferred to Franklin County.
A spokesperson for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that McKee is now housed at the James A. Karnes Corrections Center in Columbus. His next court appearance has not yet been listed publicly.
Details of the Alleged Double Homicide
Authorities say McKee allegedly shot and killed Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband Spencer Tepe, 37, inside their home in Columbus’ Weinland Park neighborhood. Investigators believe the killings occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on December 30.
Monique Tepe was McKee’s ex-wife. One of the couple’s friends discovered the bodies later that morning after becoming concerned when Spencer did not answer his phone.
Upgraded Charges and Indictment
Following McKee’s return to Ohio, prosecutors upgraded the charges against him. He now faces four counts of aggravated murder, each carrying firearm specifications, according to an indictment filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.
Three of the counts allege the use or display of an automatic firearm or a silencer, while the fourth alleges a firearm was brandished or displayed. McKee is also charged with one count of aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony.
Investigators Link Suspect Through Vehicle Evidence
Charging documents indicate investigators were able to identify McKee by tracking a vehicle that arrived in the Tepes’ neighborhood shortly before the killings and left shortly afterward. The car was later located in Rockford, Illinois, where police determined it belonged to McKee.
This evidence played a key role in connecting him to the crime scene, according to court records.
Firearms Recovered and Ballistics Evidence
Elaine Bryant, chief of the Columbus Police Department, said investigators recovered multiple firearms from McKee’s home. One of the weapons is believed to have been used in the homicides.
“At this time, unfortunately, I’m unable to answer that question,” Bryant said when asked whether the firearm was legally obtained, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
She confirmed that preliminary analysis through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) has linked one of the recovered firearms to the killings.
Police records show investigators recovered three spent 9mm shell casings from the crime scene. The casings were logged into evidence and transferred to the Columbus police property room, though records do not specify which weapon was used.
Emotional 911 Call Reveals Discovery of the Bodies
A 911 call placed by a friend of the couple provides insight into how the bodies were discovered.
“There’s a body,” the caller said. “Our friend wasn’t answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here, and he appears dead.”
The caller reported seeing Spencer Tepe lying near the bed in a pool of blood and said they could not safely approach further.
Background of the Former Marriage
Court records show McKee and Monique Tepe were married for seven months after marrying on August 22, 2015. At the time, McKee was completing his medical residency at Virginia Tech Carilion Clinic.
Monique later filed for divorce, citing incompatibility in court documents.
Family Remembers the Victims
Rob Misleh, Spencer Tepe’s brother-in-law, told local media that the couple had been preparing to celebrate their five-year wedding anniversary just one month before their deaths.
The case remains under active investigation as McKee awaits further court proceedings in Franklin County.
