A neighbor of the Illinois surgeon accused of murdering his ex-wife and her new husband in Ohio has broken her silence, expressing shock over the arrest of a man she once casually chatted with at poolside barbecues. Gera-Lind Kolarik, who lived in the same upscale Lincoln Park apartment complex as Michael David McKee, told reporters she never suspected the 39-year-old vascular surgeon could be capable of such violence. “I sat down with this man, and talked with him at the pool, barbecuing, about what a beautiful day it is, and then he turns out to be a killer. It’s kind of shocking,” Kolarik said in an interview with the New York Post. Her comments come as McKee faces extradition to Ohio to stand trial for the brutal shootings of Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, discovered dead in their Westerville home on December 30, 2025.
McKee was arrested on January 10, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois, about 300 miles from the crime scene, following a swift investigation that linked a vehicle registered to him to the area near the Tepes’ residence. He appeared in Winnebago County Court on January 11 for an extradition hearing, where he waived his right to contest the process and was ordered held without bond. Dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit, the once-respected doctor remained stoic as the charges—two counts of aggravated murder—were read. Prosecutors in Franklin County, Ohio, upgraded the charges to include premeditation, citing evidence of planning. McKee has pleaded not guilty through his attorney, who declined to comment on specifics but stated, “Dr. McKee maintains his innocence and looks forward to his day in court.”
The murders unfolded in the early hours of December 30, between 2 and 5 a.m., in the upstairs bedrooms of the Tepes’ four-bedroom colonial home in the upscale Weinland Park neighborhood north of Columbus. Spencer, a local dentist known for his family practice, and Monique, a former nurse, were both shot multiple times. No firearm was recovered at the scene, and there were no signs of forced entry, suggesting the killer may have been familiar with the home or entered through an unlocked door. The couple’s two young children—a 4-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son—were found unharmed in their rooms, along with the family dog. A family friend, conducting a welfare check after Spencer failed to show up for work, discovered the bodies and called 911.
Surveillance footage from nearby homes played a crucial role in the investigation. Eerie clips obtained by police show a figure matching McKee’s description walking down an alley near the Tepe residence in the predawn hours. Vehicle tracking data placed McKee’s car in the vicinity before it headed west toward Illinois. Digital forensics, including phone records and GPS data, further corroborated his presence in Ohio at the time of the killings. Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler praised the multi-agency effort: “This was a heinous crime, but through diligent work with our partners in Illinois, we were able to make a quick arrest.”
Michael McKee and Monique Tepe were married from 2015 to 2017, divorcing amicably while living in Virginia. Court records from the divorce show no major disputes, with shared custody of their daughter agreed upon. McKee, a graduate of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, specialized in vascular surgery and worked at a prominent Chicago hospital. Colleagues described him as “professional and focused,” with no prior indications of violence. However, sources close to the investigation told Fox News that tensions may have simmered post-divorce, particularly over child-rearing and finances. Monique remarried Spencer in 2021, and the couple welcomed their son in 2024, blending their family in Ohio where Spencer ran a successful dental practice.
Spencer Tepe was remembered as a compassionate caregiver, often providing free services to low-income patients through local charities. His obituary highlighted his love for outdoor activities and family vacations. Monique, who left nursing to focus on motherhood, was active in community book clubs and animal rescue efforts. The Tepe family’s statement following the arrest reflected their grief: “Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken far too soon. Monique and Spencer remain at the center of our hearts, and we carry forward their love as we surround and protect the two children they leave behind.” The children are now in the care of Monique’s relatives, with custody arrangements pending.
Kolarik’s revelations about her interactions with McKee underscore the shock felt in his Chicago community. Living in the same luxury apartment building, she recalled casual encounters at the pool and communal barbecues. “He did not seem like somebody that would do something like this,” she said. “You never know. You meet people everywhere, and you don’t know if they’re a serial killer.” Kolarik also expressed sympathy for the victims’ children: “How do you explain to a child that Mom and Dad are here one day and gone the next? Those are the real victims of this whole case, are the children.” Other neighbors echoed her sentiments, describing McKee as polite but reserved, often seen jogging or heading to work in scrubs.
The case has drawn national attention, with true-crime enthusiasts dissecting details on social media. Hashtags like #TepeMurder and #McKeeArrest have trended, with users sharing theories ranging from jealousy over Monique’s new life to financial disputes. A Change.org petition calling for stricter gun control in domestic cases has garnered over 50,000 signatures. Media outlets, including “Dateline NBC,” have announced upcoming specials focusing on the love triangle angle.
Legal proceedings are expected to be protracted. McKee’s extradition to Ohio is slated for completion by January 20, where he will face arraignment in Franklin County Court. Prosecutors have indicated they may seek the death penalty, citing the premeditated nature and vulnerability of the victims in their home. Defense attorney Robert Bianchi, not involved in the case, told CNN: “This will hinge on motive and forensics. If the evidence shows planning, it’s a tough defense.” McKee’s team may argue lack of direct evidence, such as the missing murder weapon, or challenge the vehicle tracking data.
Forensic evidence includes ballistics from the scene, but without the gun, linking it to McKee could prove challenging. Digital records show McKee’s phone pinged towers near Westerville that night, and his car was captured on traffic cams. No fingerprints were found at the scene, but fibers matching clothing from McKee’s closet were recovered.
The Tepe murders highlight broader issues in domestic violence cases involving ex-spouses. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner. In Ohio, over 100 domestic homicides were reported in 2025. Advocacy groups like the Ohio Domestic Violence Network have used the case to push for enhanced protective orders post-divorce.
In Chicago, McKee’s hospital has suspended him indefinitely, with patients reassigned. Colleagues expressed disbelief: “He saved lives daily—how could he take them?” said one nurse anonymously to the Chicago Tribune.
Raleigh’s community continues to mourn. Ravenscroft School has established a scholarship in Welsh’s name—wait, Tepe’s name—for aspiring educators. A memorial service on January 15 drew hundreds, with tributes from students reading her favorite poems.
As McKee awaits trial, questions linger. Was this a crime of passion, or something more calculated? For the Tepe family, closure feels distant. “We focus on the kids,” a relative said. In a world where neighbors barbecue with potential killers, the case serves as a sobering reminder: danger can lurk in the familiar.
