Alleged Psycho Surgeon Charged in Killing of Ex-Wife and Her Husband

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Michael McKee, a 39-year-old vascular surgeon in Illinois, has been charged with the murders of his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe in Columbus, Ohio. Court documents show that McKee was caught on video driving near the couple's home and scoping out the property weeks before the killings, which police say were "targeted" and happened around 3:50 a.m. on December 30. McKee allegedly traveled over 325 miles from Rockford, Illinois to the couple's home, where surveillance footage captured his car near the property numerous times. He has been indicted on four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the need for stronger protections for victims of abuse. Monique Tepe's family and friends described her ex-husband as emotionally abusive during their brief marriage, with allegations that he forced unwanted sex, strangled her, and threatened to kill her. The alleged stalking and premeditated nature of the killings raise concerns about the ability of the criminal justice system to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to court documents, McKee was caught on video driving near the Tepes' home on December 6 and walking onto the property to scope out the house, before leaving a few hours later. Then on December 30, McKee allegedly returned to the home, snuck in, and fatally shot Monique and Spencer Tepe. Prosecutors say McKee traveled over 325 miles from Rockford, Illinois to the couple's home, where surveillance footage captured his car near the property numerous times, including before and after the killings. McKee allegedly left his phone at his medical practice, which recorded no activity from December 29 until after noon on December 30. Police were able to track the silver SUV tied to McKee's previous addresses to a hospital where he worked, and arrested him at a nearby Chick-fil-A nearly two weeks later on January 10.

• On December 6, McKee was caught on video driving near the Tepes' home and walking onto the property to scope out the house.
• On December 30, McKee allegedly returned to the Tepes' home, snuck in, and fatally shot Monique and Spencer Tepe around 3:50 a.m.
• On January 10, police arrested McKee at a Chick-fil-A near the hospital where he worked, nearly two weeks after the killings.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Michael McKee out on bail.