Vascular surgeon Michael David McKee arrested in Columbus double homicide of Monique and Spencer Tepe
Columbus police arrested 39‑year‑old vascular surgeon Michael David McKee in Rockford, Illinois, on Jan. 10, charging him with the Dec. 30 murders of dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique in their Weinland Park home.
Key takeaways
- Suspect: Michael David McKee, 39, a vascular surgeon and ex‑husband of Monique Tepe, booked in Winnebago County, Illinois.
- Victims: Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39 — found with gunshot wounds Dec. 30; their two children were inside and reported safe.
- Evidence cited: Neighborhood surveillance, vehicle tracking and court filings tie a vehicle to McKee; probe ongoing with extradition expected to Franklin County.
The Dec. 30 double homicide
Columbus police say the Tepes were discovered on the second floor of their Weinland Park home about 10:03 a.m. on Dec. 30 after a friend checked on them when Spencer did not report for work. Investigators reported the couple had sustained gunshot wounds, and police estimate the deaths occurred in the early‑morning window — roughly between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m..
Identification of a suspect
Detectives reviewed neighborhood surveillance and court filings to link a vehicle to the crime. Police released footage showing a person of interest walking in an alley near the home during the early‑morning window; the person wore a dark coat and light‑colored pants. Investigators say they traced a vehicle that arrived shortly before the estimated time of the killings and left shortly afterward; that same vehicle was later located in Rockford, Illinois, and court documents and reporting tie the car to McKee.
Arrest and legal status
Authorities in Rockford arrested McKee on Jan. 10 after a murder arrest warrant was issued. He was booked just before noon at the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and faces two counts of murder in Franklin County, Ohio. Extradition proceedings were scheduled in Illinois and Ohio courts as authorities move toward arraignment and further hearings.
Who is Michael David McKee?
Reporting describes McKee as a vascular surgeon who trained at The Ohio State University (bachelor’s and MD) and completed a vascular surgery fellowship at the University of Maryland. Court documents list a Chicago address in Lincoln Park as his residence; he had been working as a vascular surgeon in Rockford, Illinois. McKee and Monique married in August 2015 and divorced in June 2017, with divorce paperwork citing “incompatibility.”
Evidence described in charging and court documents
Public reporting to date focuses on surveillance footage, vehicle tracking and McKee’s known tie to Monique. Court filings and police statements describe a person seen in an alley during the timeframe and a vehicle that entered and left the neighborhood around the alleged killings. Detectives say the car was later found near McKee’s workplace in Rockford and investigators located evidence linking the vehicle to him. No public reports yet detail forensic proof such as DNA, ballistics, or recovery of a weapon; the probe remains ongoing.
Family and law enforcement statements
The Tepe family released a statement saying the arrest “represents an important step toward justice for Monique and Spencer” and thanked Columbus police and partner agencies. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant called the case “definitely disturbing” and urged patience as investigators continue to gather evidence. Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive or named other suspects.
Procedural status and next steps
McKee has been charged but not convicted. He will appear in an Illinois court for extradition proceedings; if Ohio’s request is approved he will be returned to Franklin County for arraignment and additional hearings. More detailed evidence and any stated motive are likely to appear in future court filings, probable‑cause hearings and motions.
Key caveats
Important legal note: All descriptions of McKee’s alleged role come from police statements and court documents cited by news outlets. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Early reporting can lack full forensic detail; subsequent filings may add, change or clarify facts.
Implications for Utah
- Public safety & interstate crime: The case highlights the need for interagency cooperation when suspects cross state lines and the value of vehicle tracking and information sharing.
- Victim support: The couple’s two young children were found safe; local charities, faith groups and child services play key roles supporting families after violent crime.
- Legal and law‑and‑order concerns: The arrest underscores investigative tools leading to charges while emphasizing respect for due process.
- Professional screening: Because McKee worked as a surgeon, employers may reexamine background checks and reporting procedures for serious allegations.
- Practical measures for residents: Neighbors and parents should keep lines of communication open, use neighborhood watch programs and report suspicious activity.
Source links for reporting and verification
Reporting and public filings cited in this article include:
Follow-up reporting
Times Media Service will monitor court filings in Winnebago County and Franklin County and will file updates as hearings, indictments or new forensic details become public. Reporters will watch for indictments, forensic reports and defense or prosecution filings that clarify the timeline and the case against the accused.
All facts, statements and URLs in this report are drawn from public reporting and court documents cited above. Links are provided for verification.
