Chicago Doctor Pleads Not Guilty in Ohio Double Murder

A Chicago doctor has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the deaths of his ex-wife and her husband in Columbus, Ohio, last December. Michael McKee, 39, was arrested in Rockford, Illinois, in January and subsequently returned to Ohio to face the charges.

The Case Against Michael McKee

McKee is accused of fatally shooting 39-year-old Monique Tepe, his former wife, and Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37, at their home on December 30th. He faces four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary, with prosecutors alleging the use of a firearm suppressor during the commission of the crimes.

Did You Know? The initial investigation into the deaths was complicated by the lack of forced entry, a missing weapon, and no immediate indication of robbery or other apparent motives.

Background of the Accused

Michael McKee and Monique Sabaturski both attended Ohio State University, graduating with bachelor’s degrees in 2009. They later married in Columbus in August 2015, but Monique filed for divorce in May 2017, which was finalized that June. McKee was living in Virginia at the time. He completed a fellowship in vascular surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center in October 2022 and is a licensed vascular surgeon.

Prior to his work in Maryland, McKee had medical licenses in California and Nevada. In Nevada, he was named in a personal injury lawsuit in 2023. His Illinois medical license became active in October 2024. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, where McKee was employed at the time of his arrest, is cooperating with the investigation.

The Investigation and Evidence

Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant stated that video footage places McKee walking down an alley near the Tepes’ home on the night of the killings. A firearm recovered from McKee’s Chicago apartment has been identified as a ballistic match to evidence found at the crime scene, and investigators tracked his vehicle’s movements from Columbus back to Illinois.

Expert Insight: The charges against McKee, including multiple counts of aggravated murder, suggest prosecutors intend to pursue a severe penalty if he is convicted, potentially including life imprisonment with limited parole eligibility.

Discovery of the Victims

Police conducted a wellness check on Dr. Spencer Tepe on December 30th after his manager reported his absence from work, describing his tardiness as highly unusual. A subsequent call to police from a friend of Dr. Tepe revealed the discovery of the bodies in a second-floor bedroom.

The Franklin County Coroner’s Office determined the deaths were the result of gunshot wounds.

Who Were Monique and Spencer Tepe?

Family members described Monique and Spencer Tepe as loving and joyful individuals. Monique was remembered as a devoted mother, avid baker, and thoughtful planner. Spencer Tepe earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State in 2012 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2017. He was a member of the American Dental Association and involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The couple, married since 2020, had two young children and a dog, both of whom were unharmed during the incident.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges is Michael McKee facing?

McKee is charged with four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary. The aggravated murder charges include specifications for prior calculation and design and for committing the crime while using a firearm.

How was Michael McKee apprehended?

McKee was arrested in Rockford, Illinois, in January and was later returned to Ohio to face the charges against him.

What was the initial response to the discovery of the bodies?

Columbus police initially responded to a wellness check request and were subsequently informed by a friend of Spencer Tepe that bodies had been discovered at the residence.

As the legal proceedings unfold, what impact will this case have on the families and community affected by this tragedy?