An Ohio surgeon, accused of a double homicide involving his ex-wife and her husband, faced the court for the first time on Monday afternoon in Winnebago County, Illinois.
Michael David McKee, 39, is in custody in Illinois, linked to the deaths of Monique Tepe and her husband, Spencer Tepe, on December 30. The case has drawn significant attention due to the shocking nature of the crime.
During the brief court session, McKee agreed to be extradited to Columbus, Ohio. According to the Rockford Register Star, his public defender, Carrie Poirier, indicated that McKee intends to plead not guilty and has chosen to “remain silent” on the charges.
In a development just before the hearing, McKee’s charges were elevated to two counts of aggravated murder with premeditation, a shift from the initial charges of first-degree murder.
According to Ohio statutes, aggravated murder carries severe consequences, potentially leading to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty.
Court authorities have stated that arrangements are being made to transport McKee to Ohio later this week.
McKee, of Chicago, is accused of fatally shooting the Tepe couple inside their residence off of North 4th Street at around 3:52 a.m.
The Tepes, according to police, were shot in the upstairs area of their home. Their two children, ages 1 and 4, were found unharmed inside the residence.
Authorities issued a warrant for McKee’s arrest on January 10, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Spencer and Monique were a few weeks shy of celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary when the killings occurred.
Records from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas court named McKee as Monique’s former husband.
READ MORE
Tepe Couple Murders: What We Know About Ohio Dentist & Wife’s Killings, Surgeon Ex Arrested
Loved ones described the couple as devoted parents who were happy, warm, and lived their days “filled with joy,” according to a family statement.
A funeral visitation for the couple has been set for Sunday in Upper Arlington, Ohio.
Check back for updates.
