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
Trump committed to using US military forces to dismantle Latin American cartels

Trump Pledges Deployment of US Military to Tackle Latin American Cartels

President Trump pledged to deploy U.S. military strength against drug cartels and…
Iran’s ideological state: faith, fear and favors fuel its vast propaganda and patronage network

Iran’s Ideological Machine: How Faith, Fear, and Favors Drive a Powerful Propaganda and Patronage Network

As a young student in Iran, Benny Sabti recalls receiving an unexpected…
Explosion on an alleged narco-terrorist supply complex

US Military Executes Precision Strike Against Suspected Narco-Terrorist Network in Ecuador

The U.S. military executed a precise strike on Friday, targeting a narco-terrorist…
Iran's Mehrabad Airport set on fire by IDF

IDF Allegedly Sets Fire to Mehrabad Airport in Iran

The skies over Iran erupted in chaos on Saturday as missiles descended…
Primary election 2026: Illinois comptroller candidates Margaret Croke, Karina Villa, Holly Kim, Stephanie Kifowit appeal to voters

Meet the 2026 Illinois Comptroller Hopefuls: Croke, Villa, Kim, and Kifowit Vie for Your Vote

With the Illinois primary election just around the corner, the race for…
Watch: 50 Israeli Jets Drop 100 Bombs, Obliterating Khamenei’s Secret Tehran War Bunker Used by Regime’s Top Brass

Massive Airstrike: Israeli Jets Target and Destroy Iran’s Hidden Tehran War Bunker

In a dramatic escalation of military operations, Israel’s military announced on Friday…
Trump warns Iran will be 'hit very hard' on Saturday, says regime 'apologized' to Middle East neighbors

Trump’s Bold Warning: Iran Faces Severe Retaliation as Regime Issues Apology to Middle East Neighbors

President Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Saturday, indicating that…
TSA has seized drugs, guns — despite Dem-fueled funding freeze that's kept workers on furlough

Despite Funding Freeze, TSA Triumphs in Seizing Drugs and Guns Amidst Political Standoff

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues its vigilant efforts to safeguard air…
Boat explosion on Hudson River leaves 1 dead in New York

Heroic Mother Tragically Loses Life Shielding Son from Fatal Dog Attack

In a tragic incident, officials report that Emily Panuco, aged 26, was…
Israel pounds Beirut in expansion of war; Iran says countries have begun mediation efforts

Israel Intensifies Assault on Beirut as Iran Initiates Mediation Amid War Escalation

BEIRUT/WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM — On Friday, Israel dramatically intensified its military operations by launching…
Driver accused of attempting to mow down cop during street takeover strolls free hours later on $3K bond

Motorist Allegedly Attempts to Run Down Officer During Street Takeover, Released on $3K Bond Hours Later

A woman from North Carolina, accused of hitting a police officer with…
Troy 'Muzz' Murray death: Former Chicago Blackhawks center, beloved broadcaster dies at 63 after cancer diagnosis

Remembering Troy ‘Muzz’ Murray: Chicago Blackhawks Legend and Cherished Broadcaster Passes Away at 63

In a somber announcement, the NHL confirmed the passing of Troy Murray,…