An Ohio grand jury has indicted Michael McKee, a Chicago-based vascular surgeon, for the aggravated murder and burglary in the deaths of his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe, who were found slain in their Columbus home last month. The indictment, handed down on January 16, 2026, marks a significant development in a case that police have described as a targeted domestic violence attack.
McKee, 39, was charged by a Franklin County grand jury with four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary, with the indictment specifying that he used a firearm equipped with a suppressor during the crimes. If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole, underscoring the severity of the allegations in this high-profile case. The hospital where McKee worked, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, has stated it is cooperating with the investigation.
The victims, Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, were discovered dead in their home on December 30, 2025, by a friend who found Spencer lying in a pool of blood. There were no signs of forced entry, and the couple’s two young children and dog were unharmed, leading authorities to rule out murder-suicide and focus on external perpetrators. Police have not explained how McKee allegedly entered the home, but confirmed that nothing was stolen, indicating the attack was not a robbery.
McKee was arrested in Rockford, Illinois, last weekend by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is currently held in Winnebago County Jail after waiving extradition. He appeared in court with a public defender, pleading not guilty, with his next hearing scheduled for January 23 before potential transfer to Ohio for trial. His vehicle has been identified traveling near the Tepes’ home, and video footage places him in the area on the night of the murders.
Investigation details revealed that a firearm found at McKee’s Illinois residence matched evidence from the crime scene, providing crucial physical evidence for the indictment. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant stated that the attack was domestic violence-related, though a specific motive has not been disclosed. McKee and Monique Tepe married in 2015 but divorced in 2017 due to incompatibility, with family members alleging emotional abuse during their brief cohabitation.
The case has drawn national attention, with community tips playing a key role in the investigation. Chief Bryant thanked the public for their cooperation, emphasizing how citizen involvement helped gather evidence and lead to McKee’s arrest. She described the response as “tremendous” and encouraged continued tips as the investigation proceeds.
As McKee awaits extradition, the legal proceedings will continue in Ohio, where the indictment sets the stage for a trial that could have implications for domestic violence cases. The tragedy has sparked discussions in Columbus about safety and the importance of addressing such crimes proactively, with law enforcement reaffirming their commitment to justice for the victims and their families.
