At a Glance
- A Franklin County grand jury indicted vascular surgeon Michael McKee on five counts including four of aggravated murder.
- The victims, Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe, were found shot to death in their Columbus home on Dec. 30.
- McKee, who practices in Chicago, was arrested in Illinois and remains held without bond.
- Why it matters: The case highlights the lethal risk posed by domestic violence, which police say motivated the killings.
A Chicago vascular surgeon has been formally charged with murdering his ex-wife and her new husband inside their Columbus, Ohio residence.
Indictment Details
The Franklin County grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Michael McKee, 39. Four counts allege aggravated murder; one count charges aggravated burglary.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is life imprisonment without parole.
Victims Identified
- Monique Tepe, 39 – the suspect’s former spouse
- Spencer Tepe, 37 – a dentist and Monique’s current husband
Both died from gunshot wounds discovered when officers responded to their home on Dec. 30.
Arrest and Evidence
Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives took McKee into custody Saturday in Rockford, Illinois, about 90 miles west of Chicago.
During a Monday court appearance, a public defender informed the judge that McKee intends to plead not guilty. He continues to be held in Winnebago County Jail.
Investigators revealed two days before the indictment that a weapon tied to the double homicide was recovered from McKee’s residence.
Motive and Police Statement
Authorities have not publicly detailed what sparked the violence.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant stated Wednesday the attack was targeted and rooted in domestic violence.
Professional Background
McKee is listed as a vascular surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, according to News Of Philadelphia.
Key Takeaways
- The indictment moves the case toward trial while McKee remains jailed without bond.
- Police emphasize the shootings were not random but a calculated act connected to domestic abuse.
- If found guilty, the surgeon will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
