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A surgeon facing accusations of fatally shooting his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, and her husband, Spencer Tepe, in Ohio, appeared in court for the first time on Monday afternoon in Winnebago County, Illinois.
Michael David McKee, aged 39, is currently detained in Winnebago County, linked to the deaths of the couple on December 30, as previously reported by CrimeOnline.
During the brief hearing, McKee agreed to be extradited to Columbus, Ohio. Public defender Carrie Poirier, as cited by the Rockford Register Star, stated that McKee intends to plead not guilty and will “remain silent” regarding the charges.
Just prior to the court appearance, authorities elevated McKee’s charges to two counts of aggravated murder with premeditation, having initially faced two counts of first-degree murder.
According to Ohio law, aggravated murder is a more severe offense than murder, carrying potential penalties of life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
Court officials reportedly said that transportation is currently being scheduled to take the defendant to Ohio this week.
McKee, of Chicago, is accused of fatally shooting the Tepe couple inside their residence off of North 4th Street at around 3:52 a.m.
The Tepes, according to police, were shot in the upstairs area of their home. Their two children, ages 1 and 4, were found unharmed inside the residence.
Authorities issued a warrant for McKee’s arrest on January 10, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Spencer and Monique were a few weeks shy of celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary when the killings occurred.
Records from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas court named McKee as Monique’s former husband.
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Loved ones described the couple as devoted parents who were happy, warm, and lived their days “filled with joy,” according to a family statement.
A funeral visitation for the couple has been set for Sunday in Upper Arlington, Ohio.
Check back for updates.
