A man accused of killing Spencer and Monique Tepe has waived his right to contest extradition and will be returned to Ohio to face murder charges, authorities confirmed following a brief court appearance in Illinois. The decision clears the way for the suspect to be transported back to Franklin County, where prosecutors have filed multiple counts related to the fatal shootings.
Michael McKee, 39, appeared Monday in a courtroom in Rockford, Illinois, marking his first public appearance since his arrest. McKee did not address the court directly during the hearing, but his attorney informed the judge that he would not challenge extradition to Ohio. The move allows the legal process to proceed more quickly as the case transitions to the jurisdiction where the killings occurred.
Court records show that the murder charges against McKee have been filed in Franklin County Municipal Court. Investigators allege that he is responsible for the shooting deaths of Monique Tepe and her husband, Spencer Tepe, inside their Columbus home. McKee was previously married to Monique Tepe between 2015 and 2017, a detail authorities have acknowledged as part of the ongoing investigation.
The victims were discovered on December 30 inside their residence in the Weinland Park neighborhood, both suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Police responding to the scene also found the couple’s two young children, ages 1 and 4, inside the home. Officers reported that the children were physically unharmed and were subsequently placed in the care of family members.
According to investigators, neighborhood surveillance footage played a key role in identifying a vehicle linked to McKee. That evidence led authorities to focus on him as a suspect and ultimately resulted in his arrest. McKee was taken into custody over the weekend and booked into the Winnebago County jail in Illinois, where he has remained pending extradition.
McKee is a Chicago-area resident who attended Ohio State University, as did both victims. He completed his undergraduate studies at the university before attending medical school and is licensed as a surgeon in two states. Public records list him as affiliated with a medical center in Rockford. Officials have not commented on whether his professional background is expected to factor into the prosecution.
Spencer Tepe was a dentist originally from Athens, Ohio, while Monique Tepe had a background in childhood education, according to her family. Friends and relatives described the couple as devoted parents who were actively involved in their community. Funeral services and a celebration of life were held Sunday in Upper Arlington, drawing family, friends, and community members seeking to honor the couple’s memory.
Residents of the Weinland Park neighborhood expressed both grief and relief following news that a suspect is in custody. Community leaders said the case has deeply affected the area, where the family was well known and widely regarded as welcoming and kind. Neighbors voiced hope that the legal process will bring accountability and a sense of justice.
In a statement released over the weekend, the family of Spencer and Monique Tepe said they are relying on the justice system as the case moves forward. The family emphasized that the couple’s children remain their highest priority, adding that they are committed to surrounding them with care and protection while honoring the legacy left behind by their parents.
McKee is expected to be transported to Ohio in the coming days, where he will make his initial court appearance in Franklin County. Prosecutors have not yet announced a timeline for further hearings or whether additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
