Trial to Begin for Michael McKee in Tepe Homicides
Jury selection for the trial of Michael McKee is scheduled to commence on Dec. 7, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Violence
Michael McKee faces trial for the 2025 deaths of Spencer and Monique Tepe in Columbus. Jury selection is set to begin on Dec. 7, 2026, following his extradition to the Franklin County Jail.
Why it matters
The trial will address serious charges including aggravated murder and burglary connected to a case where investigators ruled out murder-suicide due to a lack of a weapon and forced entry.
Michael McKee is held in the Franklin County Jail facing four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary. His trial proceeds following his arrest in Illinois and subsequent extradition.
The players
Michael McKee
The 39-year-old suspect is currently being held in the Franklin County Jail awaiting trial.
Spencer Tepe
He was a victim found shot to death in his Columbus home.
Monique Tepe
She was a victim who had been previously married to the defendant.
The details
Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead in their Columbus home on Dec. 30, 2025, after investigators ruled out murder-suicide. Court documents allege that McKee, who was married to Monique from 2015 to 2017, had previously threatened to kill her and was caught on security video at the home on Dec. 6, 2025.
Timeline
Michael McKee and Monique Tepe married in 2015.
The couple divorced in 2017.
Security footage captured McKee at the home on Dec. 6, 2025.
Spencer and Monique Tepe were discovered deceased on Dec. 30, 2025.
Jury selection for the trial is set to begin on Dec. 7, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard forensic investigation protocols established under the 2025 Ohio domestic homicide investigation procedures to rule out murder-suicide scenarios. Legal proceedings like this underscore the importance of evidence collection in domestic violence cases involving prior threats.
Residents of Columbus should be aware that this trial marks a significant step in the legal process regarding a high-profile local homicide. Security measures and public awareness of domestic violence threats remain key priorities for local authorities throughout the proceedings.
The takeaway
The upcoming trial highlights the critical role of physical evidence and forensic investigation in domestic homicide cases. Families facing similar domestic threats are encouraged to consult with local law enforcement or regional victim services for support.
What happens next
Jury selection for the trial of Michael McKee is scheduled to begin on Dec. 7, 2026.
Further reading
Find more details on local legal developments in Columbus Violence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLWT5.
