A Chicago man accused of fatally shooting his ex-wife at their home has waived extradition and will be transferred from Illinois to Ohio to face charges.
Michael McKee has been charged with premeditated aggravated murder for allegedly fatally shooting his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, and her dentist husband, Spencer Tepe, on Dec. 30 in their Columbus home, according to police.
By Rob Misleh – Photo: Spencer and Monique Tepe appear in this undated photo.
McGee, 39, made a brief first court appearance Monday wearing a yellow jumpsuit in Rockford, Illinois, where he was arrested on Saturday.
McKee did not enter a plea, but Assistant Public Defender Cary Poirier told the judge he planned to plead not guilty. A status hearing on his transfer to Ohio State is scheduled for Jan. 19.
POOL – Photo: Michael McKee, 39, briefly made his first court appearance on January 12, 2026 in Rockford, Illinois.
Ex-husband arrested on suspicion of murdering Ohio dentist, wife
Police announced Saturday that McKee was arrested because he was linked to a car shown on nearby surveillance video, according to court documents.
McGee and Monique Tepe married in 2015 and divorced in 2017, according to divorce records obtained by ABC Columbus affiliate WSYX. According to records, they had no children together.
WINNEBAGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE – PHOTOS: Michael David McKee is shown in this booking photo released by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office.
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According to Spencer and Monique Tepe’s obituary, they were married in December 2020.
Their two young children were found safe inside the home after the Dec. 30 slaying.
McKee’s arrest occurred the day before the couple’s scheduled celebration of life service.
Patrick Aftoora-orsagos/AP – Photos: Dentist kills wife
“Today’s arrests are an important step toward justice for Monique and Spencer,” the family said in a statement Saturday. “Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken too soon, but we are grateful for the assistance of the Columbus Police Department, its investigators, and law enforcement… As this case progresses, we are confident that the justice system will be able to hold those responsible fully accountable.”
“Monique and Spencer remain at the center of our hearts and we carry on their love while surrounding and protecting the two children they left behind,” the family said. “We will continue to honor their lives and the light they brought to this world.”
ABC News’ Matt Foster, Victoria Arancio and Nadine El-Bawab contributed to this report.
