Michael McKee, accused of murder, reportedly harassed his ex-wife Monique Tepe on several occasions before allegedly taking her life and that of her new spouse, Spencer Tepe, an Ohio-based dentist.

Authorities allege that McKee committed the double homicide on December 30, nearly a decade after his separation from Monique. The tragic event occurred just weeks before the Tepes would have celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary. Law enforcement reports indicate the couple was shot to death around 3:52 a.m. at their Columbus, Ohio residence.

Following the fatal incident in the home’s upstairs area, McKee is said to have escaped in a vehicle that later assisted police in linking him to the crime scene.

McKee, who practiced as a vascular surgeon in the Chicago area, was married to Monique Tepe for less than a year before their divorce began in 2016. Post-separation, he allegedly insisted that she reimburse him for the engagement ring, demanding 23% interest on what he claimed was a $1,200 debt.

According to CrimeOnline’s earlier coverage, family and friends suspect McKee subjected Monique to abuse and intimidation during their brief marriage, leaving lasting scars on her life.

Monique Tepe reportedly paid additional fees to obtain a private judge, to expedite the divorce proceedings.

“It suggests a disorder like stalking,” Los Angeles psychoanalyst, Dr. Bethany Marshall told ‘Crime Stories’ host, Nancy Grace.

“Again, I haven’t examined this guy, but stalkers, they imagine that they have a very special, unique, intimate, close relationship with the victim, even when there is no relationship at all.”

After shooting the couple, McKee allegedly left the couple’s two children, ages 1 and 4, “in the next room…screaming their heads off, wailing,” Grace said.

During a brief court hearing Monday in Winnebago County, Illinois, a public defender pleaded not guilty on his behalf.

McKee, who appeared stone-faced and remained emotionless during the hearing, waived his extradition back to Ohio.

He remains behind bars without bail, facing two counts of aggravated murder with premeditation.

Under Ohio law, aggravated murder is considered a more serious charge than murder, with an extended punishment of life in sentence without parole or a possible death penalty.

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: Monique and Spencer Tepe/Handout]