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
Sunny Naqvi, US citizen detained by DHS at Chicago O'Hare Airport, sent to Broadview ICE facility, Dodge County, WI released

Breaking News: US Citizen Sunny Naqvi Released After Detention at ICE Facility – What Happened at Chicago O’Hare?

Sunny Naqvi, a 28-year-old American citizen, has returned home after being held…
2 Pennsylvania State troopers shot in 'active' scene

Tragic Incident: Pennsylvania State Trooper Killed During Routine Traffic Stop

A Pennsylvania state trooper tragically lost his life on Sunday night during…
Readers sound off on foreign policy failures, a Texas primary and the World Series

Readers Share Strong Opinions on Foreign Policy Missteps, Texas Primary Surprises, and World Series Highlights

We do this, we fail, then do it all over again Bloomington,…
Country Singer Maren Morris Attacks Trump Supporters in Unhinged Rant: 'Dementia-Ridden, Bankrupt to F**k'

Country Star Maren Morris Sparks Controversy with Explosive Critique of Trump Supporters

Maren Morris, a country singer known for her outspoken views, recently took…
Crude oil prices surpass $100 a barrel as the Iran war impedes production and shipping

Crude Oil Prices Exceed $100 per Barrel Amidst Iran Conflict Disrupting Production and Shipping

CHICAGO — For the first time in over three and a half…
Trump says he and Israel's Netanyahu will make 'mutual' decision on ending Iran war

Trump and Netanyahu to Collaborate on Strategic Plan for Resolving Iran Conflict

On Monday, President Trump announced plans to discuss with Israeli Prime Minister…
Whoa! Jesse Jackson Jr. Blasts Former Presidents Who Turned Dad's Funeral Into Leftist Political Rally

Jesse Jackson Jr. Criticizes Former Presidents for Politicizing Father’s Funeral: A Bold Call for Respect

On Friday, RedState highlighted the troubling conduct of certain Democrats during Jesse…
Police recover third device in ongoing Manhattan IED investigation after two arrests

Manhattan IED Investigation Intensifies: Third Device Recovered Following Duo’s Arrest

The NYPD revealed on Sunday that another suspicious device has been found…
Huge wake up call for Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris as dire poll released

New Poll Delivers Stark Reality Check for Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris

It appears that California’s leading Democrats are facing a challenging time in…
Community remembers beloved Georgia high school teacher, coach killed in senior prank gone wrong

Georgia Community Mourns Tragic Loss of Beloved High School Teacher and Coach in Senior Prank Mishap

A family statement shared with the New York Times reveals their desire…
Trump says short term oil price spikes 'very small price' for peace

Trump Declares Minor Oil Price Hikes a Worthwhile Trade-off for Lasting Global Peace

President Trump has described the recent surge in short-term oil prices, due…
Hegseth warns ‘more casualties’ expected in Operation Epic Fury against Iran

Operation Epic Fury: Hegseth Predicts Rising Casualties in Iran Conflict

During a recent interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Secretary of War Pete…