BREAKING: Former Judge Tarlika Nunez-Navarro just dropped bombshells on NewsNation about the double murder charges against Dr. Michael McKee. 😱⚖️

The vascular surgeon accused of gunning down his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband, dentist Spencer Tepe, in their Columbus home while their two little kids slept nearby…

She called the murder charge “only the beginning.”

“There’s an avalanche of evidence coming,” she warned — hinting at more revelations that could bury the case even deeper.

What set off a successful doctor to allegedly drive hundreds of miles for this?

The ex-judge, now a law dean, dissected the premeditation angle, the timing after a quiet divorce, and why this feels far from over.

This Ohio nightmare is escalating fast. The Tepe kids are orphans now. Justice feels urgent.

Watch the clip if you can handle it — it’s chilling.

Read more:

In a recent appearance on NewsNation’s “Banfield,” former Judge Tarlika Nunez-Navarro described the premeditated aggravated murder charges against Dr. Michael David McKee as “only the beginning,” signaling that prosecutors may be poised to unveil substantial additional evidence in the Dec. 30 shooting deaths of his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, and her husband, Spencer Tepe.

The segment, aired amid McKee’s extradition from Illinois back to Ohio, featured Nunez-Navarro — a former judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, and current dean of St. Thomas University College of Law — analyzing the case’s trajectory. She highlighted the upgrade from standard murder to premeditated aggravated murder, which carries enhanced penalties and reflects prosecutors’ belief in planning and intent.

McKee, 39, a vascular surgeon previously based in Rockford, Illinois, was arrested Jan. 10 after a multi-state investigation linked him to the crime scene. He waived extradition during his Jan. 12 court appearance in Winnebago County, Illinois, and is expected imminently in Franklin County for arraignment. Through counsel, he has indicated plans to plead not guilty and remain silent during early proceedings.

The killings occurred shortly before 4 a.m. Dec. 30 in the Weinland Park area of Columbus. First responders discovered the couple fatally shot inside their residence. Their children, ages 4 and 1, were present but unharmed. Authorities described the attack as targeted, with no forced entry, no signs of robbery, and a focus on personal motives from the outset.

Monique Tepe, 39, had been married to McKee from 2015 until their 2017 divorce. She later married Spencer Tepe, 37, a dentist, in a relationship lasting nearly five years. Public records show the prior marriage ended amicably on paper, but investigators have examined potential unresolved issues. Monique’s family expressed early suspicions toward McKee, citing his post-divorce behavior and sudden absence from work obligations.

Evidence tying McKee to the scene included a vehicle identified via surveillance and witness statements, traced to Illinois. Columbus police located the car in Rockford, confirming his ownership and leading to the arrest. Forensic links, digital records, and potential travel data have bolstered the case, though specifics remain under wraps pending trial.

Nunez-Navarro emphasized the significance of the premeditation charge, noting it requires proof of planning beyond a spontaneous act. She suggested an “avalanche of evidence” could emerge, possibly including communications, financial records, or witness accounts demonstrating forethought. The former judge pointed to the cross-state travel — over 300 miles — as a factor supporting intent, along with the timing and method of the attack.

The case has drawn parallels to other high-profile domestic-related homicides involving professionals, where seemingly stable lives mask underlying tensions. McKee’s background includes medical training at Ohio State University, adding irony to his return to the state for trial. His employer, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, cooperated with authorities post-arrest and issued condolences.

Prior to the murders, McKee faced a 2024 malpractice lawsuit in Nevada over a varicose vein procedure allegedly leaving a catheter fragment in a patient. Efforts to serve him were unsuccessful for months, with reports of an invalid address and unreturned calls. The suit remains active, and its attorneys learned of the Ohio charges only through media.

Community response in Columbus has included vigils, fundraisers for the Tepe children, and tributes to Spencer as a dedicated practitioner and Monique as a devoted mother. The children’s physical safety contrasts sharply with the emotional trauma of losing both parents in such circumstances.

Legal observers note that premeditated aggravated murder in Ohio often involves aggravating factors like multiple victims or commission during another felony. Prosecutors have not detailed specifics publicly, but the charge upgrade suggests confidence in building a strong case. McKee’s waiver of extradition expedites his return, potentially avoiding prolonged out-of-state detention.

Nunez-Navarro’s commentary on “Banfield” underscored broader themes: the challenges of prosecuting cross-jurisdictional crimes, the role of digital and surveillance evidence in modern cases, and the devastating impact on surviving children. She avoided speculating on motive but highlighted how seemingly resolved divorces can harbor lingering resentments.

As McKee prepares for arraignment, the investigation continues. Franklin County prosecutors are expected to present more during pretrial phases, including possible bail hearings — though the charge severity typically results in high bail or detention.

The tragedy has prompted reflection on domestic violence indicators post-divorce, even absent prior criminal history. Resources for support have been highlighted in local coverage.

For the Tepe family and community, the NewsNation segment reinforced that this case is far from resolved. Nunez-Navarro’s assessment — “only the beginning” — captures the anticipation of further developments as evidence unfolds.

The double homicide remains a stark reminder of how personal conflicts can escalate tragically. With McKee back in Ohio soon, the courtroom phase will test the strength of the state’s case and seek answers for a family forever altered.