Michael McKee: Digital Clues & A High-Profile Defense Lawyer

The tragic killing of Spencer and Monique Tepe, allegedly by Dr. Michael McKee left the Columbus community in great shock: especially since the couple was killed inside their home. He’s been arrested and extradited to Ohio from Illinois. Read on for some updates.

Authorities Didn’t Say Much

Apart from appeals for information and a camera surveillance snippet, investigators seemed remarkably quiet about the shooting murder. But, according to the newest episode of Angenette Levy’s podcast, 10 to Life, that silence was a tactical decision.

During the podcast, Angenette acknowledged that although the arrest seemed to come after a very long wait, the cops really impressed her by staying so secretive about their plans.

“We knew it was coming, we knew it was happening, but they did it pretty quietly,” she noted. And, she credited that to some plain old good-fashioned police work.

Detective Discusses Evidence

Retired Detective Jay Fulton sat down with Angenette and they talked about why McKee was the most obvious person of interest from day one. Well, when a couple is killed in their own home, the detectives can’t just randomly point at strangers. They have to figure out their circle of trust. So, a possibly bitter ex-husband? That’s pretty much the first on the list in a true crime murder case..

“You back that up with the fact that you’re getting reports from family members… that she was afraid of this ex relationship,” Fulton said. Then, there was the technical aspect of the situation. McKee said that he was at home in Illinois, but video footage revealed a different story.

It’s very difficult to argue with license plate readers. Detectives followed a series of digital clues to find his car moving from Ohio to Illinois, thus breaking his alibi completely. Fulton noted, “They were able to prove he was not…in fact in Illinois.”

McKee Has High-Profile Lawyer

Still, Michael McKee isn’t going down with a quiet admission of guilt. In fact, he engaged the services of Diane Menashe, a heavyweight in the legal world. Fulton’s familiar with her as she cross-examined him in court before.

He called her an “outstanding attorney,” and noted she’s great at “client control.” Nevertheless, a top lawyer can’t make physical evidence disappear. Suppose the ballistics tie Michael McKee’s gun to the bullets found at the scene? That would be a very difficult problem to solve.

The Columbus police detectives really nailed it, and probably, the evidence in ballistics already sits in hand. He described their work in the Monique and Spencer Tepe case as methodical and airtight. He also noted that the video evidence alone is probably enough to fill a “wheelbarrow full” of proof, adding “They’ve done a fantastic job.”

Viewers React

In the comments section, plenty of people already decided that Michael McKee is guilty as heck. And, they appreciated the discussion. One of them said:

I watched the livestream from a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. I’ve been following this case closely. I’ve seen Ret. CPD homicide detective Jay Fulton several times on STS and appreciate his insight from a broader perspective but more importantly from a point of local knowledge.

Here are a few more responses from the discussion that followed:

• It is so refreshing to listen to an intelligent dialogue about theories and possible defense strategies without villainizing the attorney. Love to see more of this!
• This is such a tragedy, such a senseless loss for those children. Spencer had the sweetest smile.
• Such a sad case. Their was no excuse to do. May the husband and wife rip know justice is coming.

What are your thoughts on the police work in this case? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your true crime news and updates.