Columbus Police Weigh Transport Options After Extradition Waiver for Suspect Michael McKee
Updated (2 articles)
Suspect Michael McKee Charged with Aggravated Murder of Weinland Park Couple Michael McKee, 39, faces two counts of pre‑meditated aggravated murder for the Dec. 30 shooting that killed Dr. Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe in their North 4th Street home, where their young children were unharmed[2]. He is identified as Monique Tepe’s ex‑husband, a detail revealed through surveillance‑video analysis[2]. A welfare check by Columbus police at 10 a.m. led to the discovery of the bodies and 9 mm shell casings, prompting a community‑wide investigation[2].
Surveillance and Vehicle Tracing Linked McKee to Crime Scene Neighborhood cameras captured a person matching McKee exiting a vehicle near the Tepe residence shortly before the killings and re‑entering after the shots were fired[1]. investigators traced the vehicle to Rockford, Illinois, where McKee works as a vascular surgeon for OSF HealthCare, confirming ownership and establishing his presence in the area[1]. OSF HealthCare confirmed cooperation with law‑enforcement inquiries, directing questions to investigators[1].
ATF Arrested McKee in Rockford, Illinois at Chick‑fil‑A The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives detained McKee without incident at a Chick‑fil‑A in Rockford just after 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2026, placing him in Winnebago County custody[1]. He was subsequently booked by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and scheduled for a court appearance on Monday[2]. The arrest followed a coordinated effort that linked surveillance evidence to his vehicle and location.
Extradition Waiver Allows Immediate Return to Ohio On Jan. 13, McKee appeared in a Winnebago County court, waived extradition, and agreed to be returned to Franklin County, eliminating the need for a formal extradition hearing[1]. The waiver expedites his transport back to Ohio, where he will face the aggravated murder charges. Authorities noted that the waiver streamlines inter‑state procedures and sets a clear timeline for his return.
Columbus Police Evaluate Custody Transfer Options With the waiver in place, Columbus police are deciding between deploying CPD officers to take custody of McKee or contracting a private prisoner‑transport service[1]. The chosen method will affect the speed and logistics of his transfer to Franklin County. Inter‑agency coordination remains a key factor in finalizing the transport plan.
Sources
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1.
WBNS (Columbus, OH) : Columbus police planning transport of suspect accused in Weinland Park killings – Details the extradition waiver, ATF arrest at a Chick‑fil‑A, surveillance evidence, car tracing to Rockford, and the two transport options Columbus police are weighing for McKee’s return to Ohio.
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2.
WBNS (Columbus, OH) : Ex‑husband charged with murder in Weinland Park couple deaths – Covers the aggravated murder charges, McKee’s link as Monique Tepe’s ex‑husband, the Dec. 30 welfare check discovery, family statements about justice and child care, and public updates including released video and police briefings.
Timeline
Dec 30, 2025 – Columbus police conduct a welfare check at the Tepe residence on North 4th Street after coworkers report no contact; officers find Spencer and Monique Tepe dead, their children unharmed, no forced entry and recover 9 mm shell casings, establishing the scene of the Weinland Park killings. [2]
Jan 5, 2026 – Police release surveillance footage showing a person of interest exiting a vehicle in the Tepe neighborhood shortly before the shootings and re‑entering after, using the video to trace the suspect’s movements. [2]
Jan 8, 2026 – Police officials hold a community briefing, discussing the investigation publicly for the first time and outlining the timeline of events, thereby increasing transparency and soliciting public assistance. [2]
Jan 10, 2026 – Franklin County Municipal Court files two murder counts against Michael McKee, later upgrading them to premeditated aggravated murder, and Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office books McKee after his arrest in Rockford, scheduling his first court appearance for the following Monday. [2]
Jan 12, 2026 – Court records confirm the aggravated murder charges and identify McKee as Monique Tepe’s ex‑husband; the Tepe family issues a statement saying, “We remain focused on seeing justice served and the couple’s two children will be cared for,” underscoring their priority for the children’s welfare. [2]
Jan 13, 2026 – In Winnebago County court, McKee waives extradition, agreeing to be returned to Franklin County, and Columbus police evaluate two transport options—direct CPD custody or a private prisoner‑transport service—to move him back to Ohio, with the timeline hinging on inter‑agency coordination. [1]