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
Mentalist Oz Pearlman reveals the trick he was performing at the White House Correspondents Dinner before shots rang out

Mentalist Oz Pearlman Unveils Pre-Disturbance Act at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

At the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, mentalist Oz Pearlman engaged in an…
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,…
Crypto millionaire Wen Hou's dad vanishes as FBI probe case

Crypto Millionaire Wen Hou’s Father Disappears Amid Intense FBI Investigation

Federal authorities have joined the efforts to locate a 74-year-old man from…
Swedish Hospital shooting: Memorial grows for slain Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, another officer in critical condition

Chicago Mourns: Memorial Honors Fallen Officer John Bartholomew Amid Swedish Hospital Shooting Tragedy

CHICAGO — A heartfelt tribute is growing in memory of Chicago Police…
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says a tie-up with American would be good for travelers, despite American's unwillingness

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby Advocates for Potential Partnership with American Airlines, Citing Benefits for Travelers Despite American’s Reluctance

CHICAGO — On Monday, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby shared his perspective…
Ex-inmate wanted over suspected abduction of 5-year-old Sharon Granites in remote Alice Springs town

Urgent Alert: Former Convict Sought in Mysterious Disappearance of 5-Year-Old in Alice Springs

Authorities are on the hunt for a former prisoner in connection with…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appoints David Glockner, former prosecutor, Exelon executive, as city's new inspector general

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Names David Glockner, Former Prosecutor and Exelon Executive, as City’s New Inspector General

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the appointment of David Glockner as…
White House ballroom lawsuit: National Trust says it won't drop suit after DOJ request's amid Correspondents' Dinner shooting

National Trust Stands Firm: Lawsuit Over White House Ballroom Continues Despite DOJ’s Plea Following Correspondents’ Dinner Incident

WASHINGTON — Advocates for historic preservation are moving forward with their legal…
Who is Cole Allen? ABC LA interview from 2017 appears to feature Torrance, CA man arrested in Correspondents' Dinner shooting

Torrance Resident Allegedly Connected to Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Identified in 2017 ABC LA Interview

Footage captured by KABC-TV, our Los Angeles affiliate, purportedly shows the Southern…
Witness describes the moment Cole Allen was taken down after White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting

Eyewitness Details Capture of Cole Allen Following White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting

WASHINGTON — Erin Thielman was making a phone call to her son,…
Woman seen snatching wine bottles in aftermath of White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting

Shocking Scene: Woman Caught Grabbing Wine Bottles After Incident at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

WASHINGTON — Duck, cover, and grab the wine! In the midst of…
Pastor known for marriage advice arrested at rumored swingers community accused of having multiple wives

Renowned Marriage Counselor and Pastor Arrested in Swingers Community Scandal for Alleged Polygamy

A pastor operating a ministry within a community known for its swinger…