A surgeon now stands accused of a chilling double murder, the brutal killings of his ex-wife and her husband within the walls of their Ohio home. Michael McKee faces four counts of aggravated murder, each carrying severe firearm specifications, plunging Columbus into a state of shock and grief.
McKee has retained Diane Menashe, a seasoned local defense attorney, to navigate the complex legal battle ahead. Menashe brings a wealth of experience to the case, having previously defended individuals in other high-profile criminal proceedings.
Notably, Menashe successfully represented Dr. William Husel, an Ohio physician acquitted of 14 murder charges in 2022. The prosecution alleged Husel had overprescribed pain medication, but a jury sided with the defense after hearing testimony that the patients’ deaths stemmed from their underlying medical conditions.
The alleged crime unfolded between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on December 30th, claiming the lives of Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39. Monique was McKee’s former wife, adding a deeply personal and disturbing layer to the investigation.
A weeklong manhunt culminated in McKee’s arrest in Illinois on January 10th. He was then extradited back to Ohio and remains incarcerated at the Franklin County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.
Authorities have upgraded the charges to premeditated aggravated murder, with some counts specifying the potential use of an automatic firearm or silencer. An additional charge of aggravated burglary has also been filed against McKee.
Investigators recovered firearms from McKee’s residence, one of which is believed to be the weapon used in the murders. The investigation continues to determine the legality of the firearm’s acquisition, a crucial detail in building the case.
The connection between McKee and Monique Tepe extended beyond a dissolved marriage. Court records reveal they were married for just seven months in 2015, ultimately citing “incompatibility” as the reason for their separation.
Those who knew the Tepe’s paint a picture of a couple full of life and anticipation. They were reportedly preparing to celebrate their five-year wedding anniversary just one month before the tragic events unfolded.
McKee is scheduled for an arraignment hearing in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, where he will formally enter a plea. The community awaits further developments in this harrowing case, seeking justice for the victims and answers to the questions that linger.
