Ex-Husband Michael David McKee Pleads Not Guilty as FBI Agent Cites Motive in Weinland Park Killings

The man accused of killing his ex-wife and her husband in Columbus made his first court appearance Monday in Illinois, where he formally pleaded not guilty and waived his right to an extradition hearing.

Michael David McKee, 39, an Illinois vascular surgeon and the ex-husband of Monique Tepe, is charged in the fatal shootings of Monique Tepe and her husband, Spencer Tepe, who were found dead in their Weinland Park home late last year.

McKee waived extradition during the hearing and is expected to be transported back to Franklin County, Ohio, where the killings occurred.

“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 issued for his immediate transport,” said Winnebago County Assistant Public Defender Carie Poirer in court.

Victims Found Dead During Welfare Check

Columbus police discovered the bodies of Spencer and Monique Tepe inside their home on North Fourth Street on the morning of December 30, after officers were asked to conduct a welfare check when Spencer failed to show up for work.

A 911 caller told dispatchers the absence was alarming.

“He is always on time, and he would contact us if there were any issues whatsoever,” the caller said. “We are very, very concerned because this is out of character. And we can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.”

Investigators said Spencer Tepe was shot multiple times, while Monique Tepe suffered at least one gunshot wound to the chest.

The couple’s two young children, ages 4 and 1, were found unharmed inside the home.

Police reported no signs of forced entry, and no firearm was recovered at the scene.

Charges Upgraded to Aggravated Murder

McKee was arrested in Illinois on Saturday after being on the run for several days. He was initially charged with two counts of murder, but prosecutors later upgraded the charges to premeditated aggravated murder, which carries the possibility of the death penalty under Ohio law.

During Monday’s hearing, McKee said very little and did not contest being returned to Ohio.

Authorities have not publicly detailed the evidence against McKee, though an FBI agent has cited a potential motive connected to the suspect’s past relationship with Monique Tepe, according to investigators.

Prior Marriage and Divorce

Court records show McKee and Monique Tepe were married in August 2015 and divorced in June 2017, after less than two years of marriage. The divorce was granted to Monique on the grounds of incompatibility, according to the decree obtained by ABC 6.

As part of the settlement, McKee was awarded the Virginia home the couple shared during their marriage. Monique was living in Westerville, Ohio, at the time of the divorce. The couple had no children together, and no spousal support was ordered.

Investigation Ongoing

McKee remains in custody as he awaits transfer back to Ohio. Once extradited, he is expected to be formally arraigned in Franklin County court.

The investigation into the Weinland Park killings remains ongoing.