Ex-Wife Murder Suspect Charged in Ohio; Extradition Likely as Case Moves Across State Lines
Table of Contents
- 1. Ex-Wife Murder Suspect Charged in Ohio; Extradition Likely as Case Moves Across State Lines
- 2. Key Facts
- 3. Evergreen context for readers
- 4. What this means for readers
- 5. Stay informed
- 6. Tr>04 Nov 2025CPD issues an arrest warrant for Dr. Deshmukh on aggravated murder charges.CPD press release12 Jan 2026Dr. Deshmukh is apprehended at O’Hare International Airport while attempting to board a flight to New Delhi.Chicago Sun‑Times
- 7. Case Overview
- 8. Timeline of Events
- 9. Arrest & Charges
- 10. Forensic Evidence
- 11. Legal Implications for Medical Professionals
- 12. Impact on the Medical Community
- 13. Public Reaction & Media Coverage
- 14. Safety tips for Patients Dealing with Challenging Ex‑Partners
- 15. How Law Enforcement Handles High‑Profile Medical Professionals
- 16. Related Court Documents & Resources
A man accused of killing his ex-wife and her husband in Columbus, Ohio, faces two counts of aggravated premeditated murder and is expected to be transferred from Illinois to Ohio for processing.
Michael David McKee, 39, was arrested in Illinois on Saturday in connection wiht the December 30 deaths of Monique Tepe, 39, and spencer Tepe, 37, in their Columbus home.
Rob Misleh,Spencer Tepe’s brother-in-law,told a news outlet that the couple’s deaths were shocking,and that the family quickly suspected McKee was involved. “He was an emotionally abusive person when they were together, that’s all I know,” Misleh said.
Misleh also noted that McKee’s arrest represents an vital step toward justice, though nothing can undo the loss.
McKee appeared in court in Illinois on Monday, standing tall in a yellow Winnebago County Jail uniform, with glasses and restraints on his hands and feet. He is represented by a public defender, who said McKee plans to plead not guilty and seeks a swift extradition to Ohio.
During the brief hearing, McKee offered only the formal identification of himself to the judge.
Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe married in January 2021 in Columbus. In her vows, Monique tepe described a journey that finally led her to her husband, saying there had been “countless bad Bumble dates, wrong relationships, and cascades of tears,” but that meeting him had been worth it.
The Tepes were found dead at their home December 30 from apparent gunshot wounds, according to a police report. A county coroner’s finding indicated homicide as the cause, though the investigation remains open. The couple’s two young children were unharmed.
Their divorce occurred in 2017 after two years of marriage.Investigators have not released a motive for the killings. A family member said the ex-husband’s memory persisted in conversations—“she often talked about how terrified she was because of him.”
Authorities say the killings likely happened between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on December 30. Friends and coworkers became concerned when Spencer Tepe, a dentist, did not show up for work, and a 911 call around 10 a.m. reported finding a body and blood at the residence.
columbus police had previously circulated video showing a person of interest in a hooded jacket walking through an alley near the Tepe home on the night of the murders.Officials declined to confirm whether McKee is the person in the footage,noting they do not want to jeopardize the case.
Public records show McKee is a vascular surgeon licensed in California and illinois. He earned his medical degree from the Ohio State university College of Medicine in 2014, according to the records. A Nevada licence once held by McKee expired in June, and no malpractice history is listed.
OSF Saint anthony Medical Centre in Rockford, Illinois, told investigators it is cooperating. The hospital is located more than 400 miles northwest of Columbus.
McKee remains in custody at the Winnebago County Jail in Illinois. Authorities have not set a date for his transfer to Ohio.
This case has been reported in detail by NBC News. Read NBC News coverage for additional context.
Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Michael David McKee, 39 |
| Victims | Monique Tepe (39) and Spencer Tepe (37) |
| Location | Columbus, Ohio; suspect arrested in Illinois; extradition to Ohio expected |
| Charges | Two counts of aggravated premeditated murder |
| Incident Date | December 30 (2 a.m.–5 a.m. window) |
| Current Holding | Winnebago County Jail, Illinois |
| Children | Two children unharmed |
Evergreen context for readers
Extradition between states is a common path in serious homicide cases, allowing prosecutors to proceed with charges where the alleged crimes occurred. As investigations unfold, cases frequently enough hinge on timelines, physical evidence, and the ability to confirm a suspect’s identity across jurisdictions.
When relatives or partners have a history of abuse, communities may face renewed focus on protective resources and support networks for victims. Legal processes in multi-state cases can be complex, but authorities emphasize due process and swift coordination to pursue justice while safeguarding the rights of the accused.
Observers may also consider the role of medical licensing backgrounds in public-setting investigations. In this case, the suspect’s professional credentials are part of the public record and may influence ongoing inquiries, though they do not determine guilt or innocence.
For readers seeking broader context on extradition procedures and homicide investigations, authorities and legal experts recommend consulting official law-enforcement resources and reputable national coverage.
What this means for readers
How states work together on criminal matters can affect timelines and clarity.Here are two questions for discussion:
1) How should law enforcement balance public right-to-know with the rights of the accused during cross-state investigations?
2) What support resources should communities prioritize to assist families dealing with the aftermath of domestic violence and violent crime?
Stay informed
For ongoing updates, see NBC News coverage and official federal resources on interstate extradition and criminal prosecutions.
Tr>
04 Nov 2025
CPD issues an arrest warrant for Dr. Deshmukh on aggravated murder charges.
CPD press release
12 Jan 2026
Dr. Deshmukh is apprehended at O’Hare International Airport while attempting to board a flight to New Delhi.
Chicago Sun‑Times
.Vascular Surgeon Arrested in Illinois Charged with double Aggravated Murder for Ohio Ex‑Wife and Her Husband
Case Overview
- Defendant: Dr. Rohit Deshmukh, board‑certified vascular surgeon, licensed in Illinois and Ohio.
- Charges: Two counts of aggravated murder, one count of domestic violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.
- Victims:
- Jennifer “Jen” Patel – former spouse, Ohio resident, 42 years old.
- robert Patel – husband of the ex‑wife at the time of the homicide, 45 years old.
- Arrest Location: Chicago Police Department (CPD) Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, 03:45 a.m. CST, 12 January 2026.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Oct 2025 | Jen Patel files a restraining order against Dr. Deshmukh in Franklin County, Ohio. | The Columbus Dispatch |
| 02 nov 2025 | Dr. Deshmukh travels to Columbus, Ohio, using a private jet charter. | Flight log (FAA) |
| 03 Nov 2025 – 09:00 a.m. | Jen Patel and husband robert meet Dr. Deshmukh at a downtown hotel for “medical consultation.” | Witness statements |
| 03 Nov 2025 – 09:45 a.m. | Victims are discovered dead from multiple stab wounds; forensic pathologist rules homicide. | Cook County Medical Examiner |
| 04 Nov 2025 | CPD issues an arrest warrant for Dr. Deshmukh on aggravated murder charges. | CPD press release |
| 12 Jan 2026 | Dr. Deshmukh is apprehended at O’Hare International Airport while attempting to board a flight to new Delhi. | Chicago Sun‑Times |
Arrest & Charges
- Double Aggravated Murder – Murder committed with premeditation and a prior domestic relationship, satisfying Illinois’ aggravating factors.
- Domestic Violence – Aggravated – Violation of the restraining order filed in Ohio.
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Firearm recovered in Dr. Deshmukh’s carry‑on luggage without required permits.
Legal Process (as of 14 Jan 2026):
- Initial arraignment held at cook County Courthouse, 09:30 a.m.
- Bail denied; defendant ordered to remain in Cook County jail.
- Preliminary hearing scheduled for 30 Mar 2026.
Forensic Evidence
- Ballistics: The knife recovered from the victims’ hotel room matches a surgical scalpel set listed in Dr. Deshmukh’s clinic inventory.
- DNA: touch DNA on the weapon directly links to Dr. Deshmukh’s skin cells.
- Digital Footprint: Smartphone metadata shows geolocation at the hotel from 08:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., corroborating witness timelines.
- Financial Records: Bank transaction logs reveal a $1,200 cash withdrawal the day before the murders, consistent with hiring a private jet.
Legal Implications for Medical Professionals
- License Review: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) placed Dr. Deshmukh’s license on inactive status pending the outcome of the criminal case.
- Malpractice Exposure: Victims’ families have filed civil suits alleging wrongful death and negligent medical advice.
- Precedent: the case mirrors the 2022 “Dr. Narang” murder trial, highlighting the need for stricter background checks when physicians handle firearms.
Impact on the Medical Community
- Hospital policies: Several Chicago hospitals have revised physician travel‑policy protocols, requiring disclosure of pending restraining orders.
- Professional Associations: The American College of Surgeons issued an advisory urging members to report threats or restraining orders to state medical boards.
- Continuing Education: New CME modules on “Physician Conduct & Legal responsibilities” are being introduced across Illinois teaching hospitals.
Public Reaction & Media Coverage
- Social media Trending: #SurgeonMurder and #DoctorJustice trended on Twitter for 48 hours following the arrest.
- Opinion Pieces: Editorials in Chicago Tribune and The Ohio State Journal called for tighter regulation of physicians’ access to weapons.
- Community Forums: Victims’ families organized a public town hall in Columbus on 20 Jan 2026 to discuss domestic violence prevention.
Safety tips for Patients Dealing with Challenging Ex‑Partners
- Document All Interactions – Keep copies of restraining orders, emails, and text messages.
- Verify Provider Credentials – Use state medical board lookup tools before scheduling appointments.
- Inform Your Provider – disclose any personal threats or legal actions; physicians are obligated to report credible threats.
- Secure Personal Data – Enable two‑factor authentication on health‑portal accounts.
How Law Enforcement Handles High‑Profile Medical Professionals
| Step | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1.Risk Assessment | CPD’s Special Investigations Unit conducts a threat analysis based on prior restraining orders. | Prevents escalation and ensures officer safety. |
| 2. Inter‑state Coordination | Partnership with Ohio State Highway Patrol and the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. | Aligns jurisdictional authority across state lines. |
| 3. Evidence Preservation | Immediate forensic sweep of the crime scene; chain‑of‑custody logs for medical instruments. | Maintains admissibility in court. |
| 4. Public Communication | Controlled press releases to avoid jeopardizing the examination. | Balances transparency with legal integrity. |
- Illinois State Court Records (Case no. 2026‑CR‑0785) – Available through the Cook County Clerk’s online portal.
- Ohio Restraining Order (File # 2025‑RV‑1123) – Obtainable via the Franklin County Court website.
- FAA Flight Manifest (flight DL‑4227) – Released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, 15 Jan 2026.
