Police in Columbus, Ohio, have announced they possess sufficient evidence to formally link a man to the brutal double homicide of his ex-wife and her new husband last month. The suspect, identified as Michael David McKee, a 39-year-old vascular surgeon, now faces charges of premeditated aggravated murder.
Evidence Mounts Against Chicago Surgeon
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant detailed the crucial evidence in an interview. Authorities believe McKee is the individual captured on video walking down a dark alley near the victims' home on the night of the killings. His vehicle was also identified travelling in the vicinity of the property where Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, were found dead.
Furthermore, a significant breakthrough came from ballistic analysis. Multiple firearms were seized from McKee's residence in Illinois. One of these weapons provided a preliminary match to evidence recovered from the crime scene through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
A Mysterious Crime Scene and National Manhunt
The case, which attracted national attention, was shrouded in mystery from the outset. Police found no signs of forced entry at the Tepes' home, and no murder weapon was present at the scene. Investigators quickly ruled out murder-suicide. Notably, nothing was stolen, and the couple's two young children and their dog were left unharmed inside the house.
The investigation culminated in McKee's arrest on Saturday in Rockford, Illinois. He waived his right to an extradition hearing on Monday and remains in jail in Winnebago County, with officials arranging his transfer to Ohio. His next court hearing in Illinois is scheduled for 23 January 2026.
Community Tips and Official Response
Chief Bryant credited the public for assisting the investigation, urging people to continue submitting tips. Investigators followed up on every lead, with some information proving vital in gathering enough evidence for an arrest.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther addressed the high-profile case, stating the city does not prioritise cases based on publicity. He emphasised that every case matters and every family deserves closure. Ginther also noted the city celebrated its lowest homicide rate since 2007 in 2025.
The mayor called for the community to support the Tepe family's two young children as they cope with an "unimaginable loss." Monique Tepe had divorced Michael McKee in 2017. Spencer Tepe, a dentist, was first reported missing when he failed to arrive at work, prompting the initial call to police.
