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Ex‑Husband Michael McKee Pleads Not Guilty at Ohio Arraignment, No Bond Set

Updated (24 articles)

Indictment charges and domestic link A Franklin County grand jury indicted Michael David McKee on four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary for the December 30 killings of Monique Tepe and Dr. Spencer Tepe, his former wife’s ex‑spouse [1][5]. The indictment, filed January 16, also cites use of a firearm suppressor during the crimes [4][5]. Officials describe the murders as a targeted domestic‑violence attack, underscoring the personal motive [1][2].

Arrest, extradition, and custody transfer McKee was apprehended in Rockford, Illinois, after investigators linked his vehicle and a firearm to the scene [4][5]. He waived his right to an extradition hearing, allowing the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to transport him to Ohio, where he was booked into the James A. Karnes Corrections Center on January 20 [2][3]. The extradition plan involved a specialized two‑person squad to ensure security and confidentiality [3].

Surveillance and firearm evidence tie suspect to crime scene Neighborhood video captured a person matching McKee walking down an alley near the Tepes’ home, and his vehicle was recorded arriving before the shootings and leaving afterward [1][4][5]. A firearm recovered from McKee’s Illinois residence preliminarily matched ballistic evidence from the homicides [1][4][5]. No forced entry or weapon was found at the Tepes’ house, and their two young children and dog remained unharmed [4][5].

Arraignment outcome: not guilty plea and no bond At his January 23 arraignment in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, McKee entered a not‑guilty plea to all counts [1]. The judge ordered that he be held without bond, keeping him in custody pending further proceedings [1]. If convicted, the statutory minimum sentence is life imprisonment with parole eligibility after 32 years [1][2].

Investigation findings: weapons recovered and domestic‑violence framing Columbus Police recovered multiple weapons from McKee’s property, with at least one preliminarily linked to the killings [1][2]. Chief Elaine Bryant emphasized the domestic‑violence nature of the attack, noting the victims’ prior marital connection to the suspect [1][2]. The case continues under the jurisdiction of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court [3].

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Timeline

Dec 30, 2025 – Columbus police conduct a wellness check at the Tepes’ Weinland Park home after Spencer Tepe fails to show up for work; officers find Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, dead from gunshot wounds while their two children (ages 4 and 1) and family dog remain unharmed[10][20].

Jan 5, 2026 – Columbus Police release surveillance footage showing a person in a dark hoodie walking in an alley near the Tepes’ residence between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., marking the first public visual evidence in the case[19].

Jan 8, 2026 – Police hold a press briefing, publicly acknowledging the investigation and confirming that video evidence has been released to generate tips from the community[18].

Jan 10, 2026 – Michael David McKee, 39, is arrested in Rockford, Illinois, by the ATF at a Chick‑fil‑A and booked on two counts of murder for the Tepe killings; he is held in Winnebago County jail pending extradition[10][11].

Jan 11, 2026 – Franklin County officials charge McKee with two counts of murder, later upgrading them to pre‑meditated aggravated murder; police cite video of a suspect near the scene and note that no weapon or forced entry was found at the home[17][19].

Jan 12, 2026 – In his first Illinois court appearance, McKee waives his right to an extradition hearing, clearing the way for transport to Ohio; the charges are formally amended to pre‑meditated aggravated murder[16][9].

Jan 13, 2026 – With the extradition waiver in place, Columbus police discuss two transport options—direct CPD custody or a private prisoner‑transport service—to move McKee back to Franklin County[11].

Jan 14, 2026 – Police search McKee’s Rockford property, seizing multiple firearms; one weapon is “preliminarily linked to the Tepe homicides” through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, and Chief Elaine Bryant describes the attack as “a targeted domestic‑violence attack”[6][5].

Jan 15, 2026 – McKee remains in the Winnebago County jail awaiting extradition; a Chicago neighbor recalls him as “pleasant and ordinary” before the case became public, highlighting the shock to the community[13].

Jan 16, 2026 – A Franklin County grand jury indicts McKee on four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary while using a firearm suppressor; investigators say video footage, the suspect’s vehicle, and a firearm recovered in Illinois tie him to the scene[1][7].

Jan 19, 2026 – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office prepares to transport McKee back to Ohio, detailing the specialized warrants and extradition squad that will handle the confidential, two‑person transfer[8].

Jan 20, 2026 – McKee is extradited to Ohio and booked into the James A. Karnes Corrections Center; he now faces four aggravated‑murder counts and one aggravated‑burglary count, with a minimum life sentence and parole eligibility after 32 years if convicted[12].

Jan 23, 2026 – In Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, McKee enters a not‑guilty plea to all charges; the judge denies bond, and the court notes the potential penalty of life imprisonment with parole after 32 years[14].

Historical context: Monique Tepe married McKee in 2015 and divorced him in 2017; she later married Dr. Spencer Tepe in 2020, and the couple were approaching their fifth anniversary when they were slain[10][18].

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