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
Hegseth says Russia 'should not be involved' in Iran war

Hegseth Asserts Russia’s Exclusion from Iran Conflict is Essential

When questioned about President Trump’s conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on…
NYC's minimum wage could hit $30 under new proposed law

Proposed Legislation Could Raise NYC Minimum Wage to $30

The New York City Council is poised to introduce a groundbreaking proposal…
DSA memebr slammed after saying ‘bomb large swaths of LA and Miami’ to kill Cuban, Iranian Americans

DSA Member Faces Backlash for Controversial Remarks About Targeting Cuban and Iranian Communities in LA and Miami

A research assistant at the University of Maryland, known for his far-left…
Blood rain falls across southern Europe

Unusual ‘Blood Rain’ Phenomenon Sweeps Across Southern Europe

Southern Europe is currently experiencing a rare meteorological event known as “blood…
Suspect in NYC terror probe planned attack 'bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing,' prosecutors say

NYC Terror Investigation Uncovers Plot Intended to Surpass Boston Marathon Bombing, Prosecutors Reveal

Federal prosecutors have charged a suspect involved in an attack at a…
Texas fishing tournament winner arrested over cheating scandal

Texas Fishing Contest Champion Arrested Amid Cheating Allegations

An angler in hot water faces felony charges after allegations surfaced of…
Boy, 15, wanted for assault busted for bringing loaded gun to NYC high school: cops, sources

Teen Wanted for Assault Arrested with Loaded Gun at NYC High School, Authorities Report

In a concerning incident this week, a 15-year-old student was apprehended for…
Trump says he doesn't think new Iran leader Mojtaba Khamenei can 'live in peace'

Trump Questions Future Stability Under Iran’s New Leader Mojtaba Khamenei: Can Peace Prevail?

On Monday evening, President Trump openly expressed dissatisfaction with Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment…
19-month-old returned to mother after being taken during grand theft auto: JSO

19-Month-Old Reunited with Mother Following Abduction in Car Theft Incident: JSO Reports

In a startling incident reported by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, a man…
Ukraine deploys interceptor drones, experts to protect US bases in Jordan, Zelensky says

Ukraine Boosts US Base Security in Jordan with Advanced Interceptor Drones Deployment

Ukraine has dispatched interceptor drones and a team of anti-drone specialists to…
Inferno erupts at Hollywood Hills mansion as flames rip through roof

Blazing Chaos: Dramatic Hollywood Hills Mansion Fire Engulfs Roof – See the Shocking Details!

A fierce blaze engulfed a four-story luxury mansion in Hollywood Hills West…
Innocent NYC shopper shot in broad-daylight burst of violence

Daylight Shooting Leaves NYC Shopper Injured Amid Sudden Violence

A woman, aged 30, was unexpectedly caught in the crossfire and injured…