Podcast Summary: "MONSTER SURGEON LURKS EX-WIFE'S HOME, SPENT HOURS INSIDE WEEKS BEFORE DOUBLE MURDER, RPT"

Show: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Air date: January 29, 2026

Main Theme & Purpose

This harrowing episode focuses on the double homicide of Monique and Spencer Tepe, allegedly at the hands of Monique’s ex-husband, Dr. Michael McKee—a vascular surgeon labeled by Nancy Grace as a “monster surgeon.” Nancy and her expert panel dissect newly-unsealed affidavits showing McKee’s stalking, the timeline of the murders, and psychological insights behind such extreme domestic violence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Alleged Stalking and Break-In

• Nancy Grace opens by detailing surveillance footage showing Dr. McKee lurking around the Tepe home weeks before the murders, spending hours inside while the family was away (01:13).
• The panel discusses how McKee knew the couple would be out. Nancy suspects digital intrusion or information from posted content (02:21).
• Legal Expert Troy Slayton explains that McKee’s presence at the house ahead of time shows “malice aforethought,” which qualifies for aggravated murder charges (death penalty eligible) under Ohio law (06:03).
• Burglary and murder together elevate the allegation further, setting up charges of felony murder (08:12).

2. Victim Behavior & Psychological Torment

• Yelena Mandenberg (Investigative Reporter) reveals that Monique left a major sporting event early, visibly distraught about something to do with her ex-husband, possibly after a taunting contact or surveillance tip-off (09:40).
• Nancy and panel speculate that McKee was inside the home during this time, possibly texting Monique to psychologically torment her (13:59).
• Dave Mack (Crime Reporter) asserts McKee’s actions as “creepy stalker things” (e.g., hinting to Monique through messages that he was in her house) were meant to instill fear and control (13:59).

3. Psychological Profile of the Perpetrator

• Dr. Bethany Marshall (Psychoanalyst) describes McKee as acting out in jealous rage, likely rifling through Monique’s most personal belongings, seeking evidence of her new life and intimacy—"sniffing her underwear," "looking at a nightie," or "a vibrator by the bed"—to fuel his obsession (16:34).
• Marshall underscores the “prison” in which Monique lived, always fearing McKee’s next intrusion (18:05).
• Multiple panelists stress the link between his obsessive, controlling tendencies and the escalation to murder (20:24).

4. The Murders: Forensic and Medical Analysis

• Both Monique and Spencer Tepe were shot multiple times, contradicting earlier reports that Monique was only shot once (02:13, 31:49).
• Dr. Thomas Coyne (Medical Examiner) explains that even gunshots to the torso may leave a victim conscious for up to 30 seconds, long enough to experience excruciating fear and pain (24:21).
  • "They would have felt the pressure and the pain from the bullet as it entered the body.” — Dr. Coyne (25:02)
• Evidence suggests Spencer attempted to resist or protect Monique as his body was found on the floor, not the bed (25:24).

5. McKee’s Background and Pattern of Behavior

• Despite his accolades—athlete, honor student, dean’s list, specialized vascular surgeon—McKee’s personal life was riddled with malpractice suits and abusive behavior (27:15).
• Court records and affidavits note his history of strangling and sexually assaulting Monique, threatening her life, and stating she'd “always be his wife” (29:35).

6. Handling of the Crime Scene and Vehicle Evidence

• McKee’s distinctive silver SUV was seen circling the Tepe home repeatedly before and after the murders (44:03).
• He attempted to hide the vehicle by scraping off a unique sticker and using both a stolen Ohio license and fake Arizona tags (46:06, 48:32).
• Nancy and Dave Mack compare these obfuscation tactics to other high-profile cases (e.g., Caitlin Armstrong and Michelle Parker) (44:21, 47:06).

7. Expert Commentary on Domestic Homicide and Stalking

• Paul Zeich (Domestic Violence & Stalking Expert) says threats combined with stalking are "statements of future intent," and such offenders believe “life without you is not worth living” (50:13).
  • “It’s not a matter of if, it’s when.” — Paul Zeich (50:13)
• Zeich is not surprised by McKee leaving a wide trail: “Stalkers know way more information than we thought they did. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had hacked emails, tracked her digitally, or used social engineering” (51:29, 52:17).

8. Discussion of Evidence and Legal Case

• Joe Scott Morgan (Forensics Professor) and Slayton discuss how technology, ballistics, and the murder weapon tie McKee to the crime.
• Slayton notes there is no eyewitness, only strong circumstantial and physical evidence (38:03), but Nancy rebuts, “Fingerprint or DNA is direct evidence, especially when you find [him with] the murder weapon” (39:38).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You cannot fight the video. The picture doesn’t lie.” — Nancy Grace (15:50)
• “Think about strangulation during unwanted forced sex...he is up close and intimate with her pain and her anxiety.” — Dr. Bethany Marshall (30:12)
• “It’s not a matter of if, it’s when.” — Paul Zeich (50:13)
• “He was in a rage, I am sure, before he entered that house. A jealous, jealous rage...He still believes that she is his wife. She belongs to him.” — Dr. Bethany Marshall (16:34)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:13] – Introduction to the surveillance video evidence of McKee’s lurking
• [06:03] – Legal analysis of “malice aforethought” and aggravated murder
• [09:40] – Affidavit details: Monique’s distress during the Big Ten game
• [13:59] – Panel discusses stalking behavior and psychological torment
• [16:34] – Dr. Bethany Marshall on McKee’s intrusive, obsessive behavior
• [24:21] – Dr. Coyne explains medical facts of gunshot wounds in the Tepe murders
• [31:49] – Correction: Monique was shot multiple times, not once
• [44:03] – Vehicle evidence and parallels to other notorious cases
• [50:13] – Paul Zeich on the pattern and dangers of domestic violence stalkers
• [53:34] – Call to action for tips and closure of the main investigative discussion

Tone & Language

Nancy Grace maintains her trademark intense, urgent tone—combining legal insight, empathy for victims, and unfiltered analysis. The panel's language is direct, sometimes graphic (particularly on the realities of abuse), and always driven by the pursuit of truth and justice for Monique and Spencer Tepe.

For listeners seeking a deep, full-picture understanding of the McKee double homicide, this episode elucidates not only the grisly facts but the chilling psychology and legal mechanisms of such crimes. The panel’s expertise and Nancy’s relentless inquiry create a gripping and informative narrative.