A Chicago vascular surgeon accused of gunning down his ex-wife and her husband in their Columbus, Ohio, home appeared in court on January 12, 2026, waiving his right to an extradition hearing and paving the way for his transfer to face upgraded charges of premeditated aggravated murder. Michael David McKee, 39, remained largely silent during the brief proceeding in Winnebago County, Illinois, where he has been held since his arrest on January 10. The case, which has drawn national attention for its brutality and the presence of the victims’ young children at the scene, saw new details emerge from court documents and family statements, including allegations that McKee once vowed he would “never leave” his ex-wife’s life and planned to relocate near her after their divorce. Prosecutors in Ohio amended the charges to reflect premeditation, opening the door to the death penalty if convicted. As McKee awaits transport, investigators continue to piece together a motive, with no forced entry at the crime scene suggesting a personal connection.

The victims, Spencer Tepe, 36, a local dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, 37, a marketing consultant, were found shot to death in their Weinland Park home on North Fourth Street on December 30, 2025. Columbus police responded to a welfare check around 10 a.m., discovering Spencer with multiple gunshot wounds and Monique with at least one to the chest. Their two children—a 4-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl—were unharmed but alone in the house, having potentially been with the bodies overnight. No weapon was recovered at the scene, and there were no signs of burglary or forced entry, leading detectives to focus on individuals known to the couple. The children are now in the care of relatives, with a family spokesperson describing them as “traumatized but resilient.”

McKee, Monique’s ex-husband, emerged as the prime suspect after surveillance footage from the neighborhood captured a dark SUV matching one registered to him near the home around the time of the killings, estimated between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on December 29. Court documents filed in Franklin County reveal that police traced the vehicle to Illinois, leading to McKee’s arrest in Rockford without incident. At the time, he was living in a luxury condo in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood and working as a board-certified vascular surgeon at Northwestern Medicine. His professional profile highlights expertise in minimally invasive procedures, a far cry from the violent allegations now leveled against him.

During Monday’s court appearance, McKee appeared in a yellow jumpsuit, speaking minimally as his public defender, Carie Poirier, addressed the judge. “Mr. McKee believes the most expeditious manner in which he may defend himself against the charges pending in Ohio is to plead not guilty, waive his right to an extradition hearing, and have a governor’s warrant for his immediate transport,” Poirier stated. The waiver streamlines the process, with McKee expected to be handed over to Ohio authorities within days via a governor’s warrant. A status hearing on his transfer is set for January 19 in Illinois, but sources indicate he could be in Franklin County sooner for formal arraignment. If convicted of the aggravated murder charges, McKee faces life imprisonment or the death penalty under Ohio law.

New details from divorce records and affidavits paint a picture of a troubled post-marital relationship. McKee and Monique were married in August 2015 in Athens County, Ohio, but divorced in June 2017 on grounds of incompatibility. The proceedings were described as amicable, with no children involved and no spousal support awarded. McKee retained their Virginia home, while Monique relocated to Westerville. However, emerging allegations suggest lingering tensions. According to a Facebook post and YouTube analyses citing unnamed sources close to the family, McKee allegedly told Monique he would “never leave her life” and planned to use a medical bonus to purchase a home near hers, raising concerns of stalking or harassment. These claims have not been independently verified by police but align with family suspicions voiced shortly after the murders. “We’ve suspected him from the start,” Spencer’s sister told WLWT in early January.

The Tepe family released a statement following McKee’s arrest, expressing relief amid their grief. “Today’s arrest represents an important step toward justice for Monique and Spencer,” it read. “Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken far too soon, but we are grateful to the City of Columbus Police Department, its investigators, and assisting law enforcement community. As the case proceeds, we trust the justice system to hold the person responsible fully accountable. Monique and Spencer remain at the center of our hearts, and we carry forward their love as we surround and protect the two children they leave behind.” The statement, shared widely on social media, underscores the family’s focus on the children’s well-being and honoring the victims’ legacies.

Spencer Tepe ran Tepe Family Dentistry, a practice known for community outreach and affordable care. Patients remembered him as “kind-hearted” and “professional,” often volunteering at free clinics. Monique, a marketing consultant, was active in local charities supporting children’s health. The couple married in December 2020 and were described as “high school sweethearts who reconnected.” Their obituary highlighted their devotion to family, with photos showing joyful moments from vacations and holidays. A celebration of life service was held on January 11, 2026, just a day after McKee’s arrest, drawing hundreds to mourn.

Investigators have remained tight-lipped on the motive, but the upgrade to premeditated charges suggests evidence of planning. Sources indicate digital forensics, including phone records and GPS data, may have strengthened the case. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant praised the multi-agency effort: “This was a complex investigation, but teamwork led to swift justice.” The FBI assisted in the interstate pursuit, highlighting the case’s scope.

Social media and true crime communities have buzzed with speculation, from podcasts like “Criminally Obsessed” dissecting divorce records to YouTube channels analyzing surveillance footage. A video titled “Spencer & Monique Tepe: Ex-Husband Said He’d Never Leave Her Life” garnered thousands of views, fueling discussions on domestic violence red flags. Advocacy groups, such as the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, have used the case to advocate for better monitoring of high-risk ex-partners. “One in four women face severe violence from intimates,” a spokesperson noted, citing national statistics.

Tepe Family Dentistry remains shuttered, with staff redirecting patients and a makeshift memorial of flowers outside. A GoFundMe for the children has raised over $200,000 as of January 13. Community vigils continue, with Mayor Andrew Ginther condemning the violence: “This senseless act shakes us all.” As McKee heads to Ohio for arraignment, the path to trial begins, potentially revealing more about the alleged obsession that ended two lives.