Surgeon accused of killing ex-wife and dentist husband gets first look at Ohio court with legal eagle defense
Share this @internewscast.com

A surgeon facing accusations of murdering his former spouse and her new husband in Ohio has entered a plea of not guilty following his extradition to confront the charges.

Michael McKee was taken into custody on January 10, suspected of fatally shooting Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, at their residence in Columbus’ Weinland Park area between the early hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on December 30. McKee is the ex-husband of Monique.

After his arrest in Rockford, Illinois, on January 10, McKee was initially held at the Winnebago County Jail before being transferred to Columbus, Ohio. There, he is currently detained at the James A. Karnes Corrections Center, facing heightened charges of premeditated aggravated murder for the deaths of Spencer and Monique.

During a remote arraignment from jail on Tuesday, McKee pleaded not guilty to four counts of premeditated aggravated murder with firearm enhancements and a charge of aggravated burglary. The murder charges include allegations of McKee using or displaying an automatic weapon or silencer, with an additional charge concerning the brandishing of a firearm.

A split photo of Monique and Spencer Tepe and Michael McKee

Eight years post-divorce, McKee is accused of shooting Monique and Spencer Tepe in their Columbus home. (Rob Misleh | Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office)

Attorney Diane Menashe, a seasoned lawyer with 27 years of practice and her own firm, represents McKee. Previously, she defended Dr. William Husel, an Ohio physician acquitted of 14 murder charges after accusations of prescribing excessive painkillers at the Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus.

Charging documents indicate police were able to identify McKee by linking him to a car that arrived in the Tepes’ neighborhood shortly before the murders and left just after the homicides. The car was then located in Rockford, Illinois, and police found evidence it belonged to McKee.

Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant earlier told Fox News Digital that several weapons were taken from McKee’s property, adding that a preliminary link was established that one of those firearms to the murders.

One of Spencer and Monique’s friends found the couple dead on Dec. 30 at their home, according to a 911 call.

Spencer and Monique Tepe outside

Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead on Dec. 30. (Rob Misleh)

“There’s a body,” the caller says. “Our friend wasn’t answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here, and he appears dead. He’s lying next to his bed, off of his bed in this blood. I can’t get closer to seeing more than that.”

Monique and McKee were married for seven months after their wedding on Aug. 22, 2015, before they split up, court records show. McKee was completing his residency at the Virginia Tech Carilion Clinic when Monique filed for divorce, writing that the two were “incompatible.”

Monique and Spencer’s two children were found safe at the home after the shooting. Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, told People that the couple’s 1-year-old child was likely stuck in a crib when the shooting happened.

Spencer and Monique Tepe wedding pictures

Spencer and Monique Tepe pictured in wedding photos. (Rob Misleh)

“[He] was in the crib right, and was unable to get out of the crib on his own and also it was at a time he would’ve been well awake by this time,” he said. “From the timeframe that we know, 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., [when the murders took place], the kids would’ve been in their beds so we assume that not they did not see anything.”

The couple was preparing to celebrate their five-year wedding anniversary one month before they were killed, Misleh told WSYX.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Firebug busted for allegedly hurling Molotov cocktail that set NYC store ablaze

Suspect Arrested for Alleged Molotov Cocktail Attack on NYC Store

A man previously arrested 15 times was apprehended for allegedly throwing a…
Suspect arrested after housekeeper tied up, attacked in Massachusetts mansion heist

Massachusetts Mansion Heist: Suspect Arrested After Shocking Attack on Housekeeper

A suspect has been apprehended following a dramatic break-in at a luxurious…
Roblox changes rules for young users as California-based company faces lawsuits

Roblox Updates Policies for Young Users Amid Ongoing California Lawsuits

Roblox is intensifying its safety measures, but some argue it might be…
Justice Department moves to toss seditious conspiracy convictions of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys

Justice Department Seeks to Overturn Seditious Conspiracy Convictions of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys

On Tuesday, the Justice Department urged a federal appeals court to annul…
'It seemed like a lifetime': Pilot recounts emergency landing on Phoenix street

Pilot Shares Harrowing Experience of Emergency Landing on Phoenix Street

Inside the vintage 1940s seaplane, the pilot shared his account of the…
Florida doctor accused of fatally removing organ from patient arrested for botched operation

Florida Surgeon Arrested After Patient Dies During Controversial Procedure

A Florida physician has been charged with second-degree manslaughter after allegedly removing…
Man accused of raping woman sitting next to him on flight to Australia

Mid-Flight Horror: Man Charged with Assaulting Fellow Passenger En Route to Australia

A 52-year-old Indian traveler has been taken into custody following allegations of…
Illegal immigrant driver charged with DUI after car veers off road, kills two children on bikes: police

Tragic DUI Incident: Undocumented Driver Faces Charges After Fatal Accident Claims Lives of Two Children in Biking Tragedy

An undocumented immigrant, reportedly so impaired he couldn’t stand, is accused of…
West Suburban hospital update: Fight over shuttered safety-net hospital in Oak Park, Illinois heads to Cook County court

Legal Battle Intensifies Over Closed Safety-Net Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois

The contentious closure of a safety net hospital in Oak Park, Illinois,…
Monster typhoon in the Pacific Ocean is bearing down on group of remote US islands

Massive Pacific Typhoon Threatens Remote US Islands with Devastating Impact

A powerful super typhoon is on a collision course with several remote…
NTSB launches 3-day investigative hearing on deadly DC plane crash

Urgent Aviation Safety Bill: House Set to Vote After Tragic DC Midair Collision

On Tuesday, House lawmakers are poised to cast their votes on a…
Hochul accuses trial lawyers of lying to block her plan to lower NY car insurance costs

Hochul Claims Trial Lawyers Mislead to Halt Plan for Reduced NY Car Insurance Rates

Governor Kathy Hochul has taken a firm stand, accusing the influential trial…