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
Nearly $870K in chemical spraying drones stolen from NJ company in 'nightmare scenario' heist: report

Massive $870K Drone Heist: NJ Company’s Chemical Sprayers Vanish in Brazen Theft

Industrial drones valued at close to $870,000, designed for dispersing large volumes…
Easy Fix: How to deep clean your greasy range hood filter

Revitalize Your Kitchen: The Ultimate Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Greasy Range Hood Filter

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen…
Wowsers: Hakeem Jeffries Has a 'Crossing the Rubicon' Moment, and There May Be No Turning Back From Here

Hakeem Jeffries Reaches a Pivotal Turning Point: What Lies Ahead?

Recently, RedState highlighted remarks from Democrat House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08),…
Iran eyes revenge for Soleimani as WHCA Dinner shooting exposes security ‘vulnerability,’ expert warns

Iran Seeks Retaliation for Soleimani While WHCA Dinner Incident Highlights Security ‘Vulnerability,’ Expert Cautions

The recent shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner has…
ABC7 Chicago broadcasts, streams Mayoral Town Hall with Brandon Johnson | LIVE

ABC7 Chicago Hosts and Streams Live Mayoral Town Hall with Brandon Johnson

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7 Chicago, the leading television station in the city,…
Body camera video shows police officer allegedly kidnapped by armed robbery suspect in roadside showdown

Body Camera Footage Reveals Alleged Kidnapping of Officer by Armed Robbery Suspect in Tense Roadside Encounter

Intense footage from a body camera captures the dramatic moments when a…
EPA chief Lee Zeldin slams ‘uninformed’ Democrat lawmaker who suggested he drink weed killer during heated congressional hearing: ‘Self-implosion’

EPA Chief Lee Zeldin Responds to Controversial Weed Killer Challenge in Fiery Congressional Showdown

On Monday, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin criticized Rep. Rosa DeLauro for her…
Sun-soaked Boca Bash revelers meet badge blitz as cops flood wild floating party scene

Police Presence Intensifies at Vibrant Boca Bash Floating Festival

Boca Bash 2026 draws massive crowds to Florida waters Boca Raton, Florida,…
Colorado grandpa finishes world's largest jigsaw puzzle with 60K pieces 4 years after starting it

Colorado Grandpa Completes Epic 60,000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle After Four-Year Journey

A dedicated grandfather from Colorado has triumphantly completed the world’s largest jigsaw…
Chicago weather forecast: Potentially severe storms expected Monday, with risk of high winds, hail and tornadoes

Severe Weather Alert: Chicago Faces High Winds, Hail, and Tornado Threat on Monday

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago area is bracing for potentially severe weather…
Stunning hot mic moment captures TV host ripping security at WHCD before shooting: 'Two random chicks'

TV Host’s Candid Comments on Security at WHCD Caught on Hot Mic Before Filming: ‘Two Random Individuals

During the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Fox News host Jimmy Failla was…
Jimmy Kimmel repeats 'hateful' joke about Melania Trump in attempt to defend himself

Jimmy Kimmel Defends Controversial Melania Trump Joke Amid Backlash: A Closer Look at the Comedian’s Remarks

Late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel reignited controversy by repeating a provocative joke…