The ex-husband accused of killing his former wife and her spouse, an Ohio dentist, faced harsher murder charges in court on Monday following his arrest in Illinois over the weekend.
Prosecutors in Franklin County, Ohio, charged Dr. Michael David McKee with aggravated murder ahead of his extradition hearing in Winnebago County, Illinois, where he was apprehended by local authorities.
The upgraded charges against the 39-year-old surgeon mean he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole in the slayings of Monique and Spencer Tepe.
If convicted under the new charges, Dr. McKee would also be eligible for the death penalty. Ohio hasn’t executed anyone since 2018.
Ohio authorities said the Tepes were shot dead inside their house in Columbus on Dec. 30. They were discovered after a family friend went to the home because Dr. Tepe hadn’t shown up to work, court records said.
“There’s a body,” the caller told 911 dispatchers, according to a court filing. “Our friend wasn’t answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here, and he appears dead. He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed in this blood. I can’t get closer to see more than that.”
The Tepes had been married since 2020 and had a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son together. Police said both children were found unharmed inside the home where their parents were killed.
Investigators connected Dr. McKee to the double killing after tracking a car that had driven into the neighborhood shortly before the deadly shooting and left soon afterward.
Court documents said that same car was then seen in Rockford, Illinois, which is where Dr. McKee lives. Further investigation tied the vehicle to Dr. McKee.
“Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken far too soon,” the Tepe family said in a statement after Dr. McKee’s arrest on Saturday.
“We thank the community for the continued support, prayers and compassion shown throughout this tragedy. As the case proceeds, we trust the justice system to hold the person responsible fully accountable,” the statement said.
Dr. McKee had married Monique in August 2015. She filed for divorce less than two years later.
The murder suspect works as a vascular surgeon and is licensed to practice in Illinois and California. He attended medical school at Ohio State University.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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