Illinois Surgeon Charged in Ohio Couples Killings Is Due in Court

Published: Friday, January 23, 2026 at 12:47 pm

Illinois Doctor Faces Murder Charges in Ohio Couple's Deaths

COLUMBUS, Ohio - An Illinois surgeon, Michael David McKee, is scheduled to appear in an Ohio courtroom on Friday to face charges in the December deaths of his ex-wife and her husband. McKee, 39, is accused of the aggravated murder of Monique Tepe, 39, and Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37, in their Columbus home.

The case gained national attention due to the initial mystery surrounding the crime. There was no forced entry, no apparent weapon, and no immediate signs of theft or a clear motive. McKee was arrested 11 days after the killings near his workplace in Rockford, Illinois.

According to court documents and university records, McKee and Monique Tepe, then Monique Sabaturski, attended Ohio State University. They both graduated with bachelor's degrees in 2009. They married in 2015 but divorced in June 2017. McKee completed a fellowship in vascular surgery in 2022. He was also licensed to practice medicine in California and Nevada.

An Ohio grand jury indicted McKee last week. He is accused of illegally entering the Tepes' home with a firearm equipped with a silencer and shooting the couple. Police have stated that video footage captured McKee walking near the scene and that a gun found in his apartment matched evidence from the crime scene. McKee is charged with multiple counts of aggravated murder and aggravated burglary. If convicted, he faces a minimum of life in prison with parole eligibility after 32 years, or a maximum term of life in prison without parole.

The killings were discovered after Spencer Tepe failed to show up for work, prompting a wellness check. Police found the couple deceased in their home. The Franklin County Coroner's Office ruled the deaths as homicides by gunshot wounds. The Tepes were described by family as loving individuals. They had two young children who were home at the time of the killings but were unharmed.

BNN's Perspective: This case highlights the complexities of domestic disputes and the tragic consequences that can arise. While the evidence appears to be mounting against the defendant, the presumption of innocence remains until proven guilty. The legal process will determine the truth, and the community hopes for justice for the victims and their family.

Keywords: Illinois doctor, Ohio, murder charges, Michael David McKee, Monique Tepe, Spencer Tepe, Columbus, aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, firearm, silencer, homicide, arrest, Ohio State University, divorce, Rockford, Illinois, court, investigation, crime, deaths, family

Full Story