An American surgeon from Illinois stands accused of the brutal murders of his ex-wife and her new husband in a premeditated attack prosecutors allege was fuelled by domestic violence.
A Targeted Attack in the Family Home
Michael McKee, 39, has been formally indicted on four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary for the deaths of Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe. The couple were shot dead in their Ohio home on December 30, while their young children and dog were present in the house.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant stated the evidence points to a targeted, domestic violence-related attack. Prosecutors allege McKee used an automatic firearm fitted with a silencer to carry out the killings. The couple's one-year-old son and four-year-old daughter were found unharmed and are now in the care of relatives.
The Investigation and Arrest
A major ten-day manhunt, which captured national attention, ended last week with McKee's arrest near Chicago. Police say he was tracked from the murder scene via neighbourhood surveillance cameras which identified a vehicle he owned. "He still had the gun on his person when he was arrested," Chief Bryant revealed during a press conference.
Multiple weapons were seized from McKee's property, with a preliminary forensic link established between one of them and the homicides. At the scene, investigators found three 9mm shell casings and ruled out murder-suicide. There was no sign of forced entry at the couple's $700,000 residence.
A Brief Marriage and Deep-Seated Resentment
Court records show McKee, a surgeon, married Monique in 2015, but the union lasted only seven months before she filed for divorce citing incompatibility. The divorce was finalised in June 2017. Documents reveal a separation agreement required Monique to reimburse McKee for miscellaneous debts, with a clause imposing 23% interest if not paid by a specific date.
Commenting on the case, retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer suggested "deep-seated resentment and hatred" may have been a factor in the "very personal" crime. She noted the timing was significant, as the couple were killed just before their upcoming wedding anniversary, which may have been a trigger.
McKee appeared in an Illinois court on Monday, waiving his right to an extradition hearing. He is expected to be transported to Ohio to face trial in the coming days.
