Doctor Waives Extradition as Murder Charges Upgraded in Columbus Double Homicide
Chicago doctor Michael McKee waived extradition in Illinois after arrest; now charged with two counts of premeditated aggravated murder in the December Columbus killings case
Overview
Michael David McKee, 39, arrested in Rockford, Illinois, waived extradition Monday; Winnebago County court scheduled Jan. 19 hearing to confirm transfer to Franklin County, Ohio.
Franklin County prosecutors upgraded charges to two counts of premeditated aggravated murder tied to Dec. 30 killings of Monique and Spencer Tepe in their Columbus home.
Police found no obvious signs of forced entry or a weapon; the couple’s two young children were unharmed and left with family after discovery during a wellness check.
Investigators used neighborhood surveillance to link a vehicle arriving just before and leaving after the estimated 2–5 a.m. attack window; tips led them across state lines to McKee.
McKee, a vascular surgeon licensed in Illinois and California, plans to plead not guilty; if convicted he faces life without parole or possible death penalty under Ohio law.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources report this case neutrally, sticking to verifiable facts, public records, police statements and family comments without editorializing. Coverage emphasizes chronology, logistical details (no forced entry, no weapon found, children unharmed), and named records (court, licensing) while attributing descriptions and emotions to sources, avoiding speculative language or partisan framing.
Sources (16)
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FAQ
Michael David McKee is the ex-husband of Monique Tepe, whom she divorced in 2017.
Neighborhood surveillance video showed McKee's vehicle arriving just before and leaving shortly after the 2-5 a.m. homicide window on December 30; detectives tracked the vehicle to Rockford, Illinois.
McKee faces two counts of premeditated aggravated murder; if convicted in Ohio, he could face life without parole or the death penalty.
McKee waived extradition in Illinois; a Winnebago County court hearing on January 19 will confirm his transfer to Franklin County, Ohio.
The couple's two young children (ages 4 and 1) were unharmed in the home; no signs of forced entry or weapon were found at the scene.
History
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