Episode Overview

Podcast: Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield
Episode Title: Murderous Rage: Inside the Brutal Killings of Monique and Spencer Tepe | Michael McKee Charged
Date: March 11, 2026
Main Theme:
Ashleigh Banfield gives a deep, meticulous rundown of the devastating new autopsy findings in the double homicide of Monique and Spencer Tepe, allegedly at the hands of Monique's ex-husband, Dr. Michael McKee. Joined by renowned forensic criminologist Dr. Laura Petler, the episode methodically breaks down the forensic evidence, gunshot wound patterns, potential motives, and the chilling psychology behind such intimate, rage-fueled domestic violence murders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shocking Autopsy Revelations

• [02:06–07:35] Major Breaking News

  • The revised autopsy findings are much grimmer than previously reported.
  • Initial reports claimed Monique had been shot once in the chest, and Spencer was shot several times; the reality was nine shots to Monique and seven to Spencer – 16 shots in all.
  • Spencer was shot in the head, chest, torso, extremities, and Monique was shot in the face, chest, torso, and arms.
  • Only three shell casings were found at the scene, but there were 16 rounds fired. The implication is that the killer collected casings, possibly to avoid detection.

  “Holy hell, there is some breaking news out of Columbus, Ohio on the Tepe murders and it is jaw dropping, it's earth shattering and it's very sad. And it's also very disturbing.” — Ashleigh Banfield [02:06]

• Weapon Details

  • Police seized a 9mm gun from Dr. Michael McKee’s home, that could hold 15 in the magazine and one in the chamber—matching the 16 shots fired.

2. Forensic Analysis with Dr. Laura Petler

The Importance of Wound Pattern Analysis

• [07:35–15:39]

  • Dr. Petler emphasizes that wound patterns tell a story about the events and the perpetrator’s mindset.
  • She notes wound analysis is only a piece of the puzzle, needing context from victimology and the broader investigation.

  “Wound pattern analysis is critically important within the scope of the process of analyzing the evidence in totality…We analyze this one piece and then we plug it back into the victimology.” — Dr. Laura Petler [07:35]

Media Discrepancies & Motivation

• [08:42–10:31]

  • Disparities between preliminary reports and autopsy findings are not unusual, but the degree of violence suggests extreme, targeted rage, not just a desire to kill.

  “The wound pattern analysis at this point for me is so aggressive... This is a dumping of extreme rage in a very instrumental, organized, sophisticated, structured way that is for the purpose of pain…” — Dr. Laura Petler [10:31]

3. Meticulous Breakdown of the Shooting

Ballistics & Firearm Use

• [11:46–14:30]
  • The shooter appeared methodical, likely using a single gun with a suppressor.
  • The organized nature and shell casing collection (or attempt) indicate planning, not a chaotic frenzy.

4. Autopsy Findings in Detail

Spencer Tepe’s Injuries

• [15:39–36:25]

  • Seven Gunshot Wounds:
    • Head (one shot): Likely a direct aim, possibly as Spencer was turning or attempting to protect himself.

      “Everything is to the left side of his body... that's of course consistent with a right handed shooter.” — Dr. Laura Petler [16:42]

    • Neck and chest (multiple shots): Indicate proximity and purposeful targeting.
    • Back (one shot): Could reflect an execution after he was already dying or incapacitated.
    • Extremities (hand and arm): Classic defensive wounds; Spencer likely attempted to shield himself.
  • Forensic Implications:
    • All wounds on the left suggest right-handed shooter.
    • No clothing on torso; indicates vulnerability and may influence bloodstain patterns.
    • Pattern matches controlled, methodical rage, not chaos.
    • Time to death: “within seconds to minutes.” Pain level uncertain but endorphin response may blunt suffering.

  “This is consistent with anger, retaliation, overkill. Yeah, it's…a complete rage type of a killing, but it's controlled...planned, premeditated, organized, sophisticated, thoughtful, mindful attack.” — Dr. Laura Petler [26:44–28:44]

Monique Tepe’s Injuries

• [37:12–67:04]

  • Nine Gunshot Wounds:
    • Face (right cheek): Stunningly intimate and rage-filled; likely meant to send an emotional message.
    • Chest (three clustered shots): Suggest targeted, efficient intent—likely aiming for the heart or vital organs.
    • Torso and arms (multiple): Defensive—she tried to protect herself.
  • Pattern Differences:
    • Less movement than Spencer, possibly more quickly incapacitated.
  • Death was rapid: (As per coroner: "rapidly," not over minutes.)

  “He was shot in the face... I'll tell you exactly where in a moment. But I also have information on how long it took Monique to die.” — Ashleigh Banfield [05:51]

  “This is about a prolonged long term type grievance...The shooter in this case ... was able to adapt his or her or whoever's position to make sure that this got done, and it got done exactly the way that it was planned.” — Dr. Laura Petler [39:41–40:24]

5. Psychological & Behavioral Context

Rage, Power, and Domestic Violence

• [42:27–46:06]

  • The killings resemble classic domestic violence/femicide — overkill, controlled anger, and infliction of both mental and physical pain.
  • The intimacy of the bedroom setting exacerbates the horror and points toward deliberate, personal rage.

  “[The bedroom] is a very purposeful location. That is not a random location for inflicting gunshot wounds on these victims.” — Dr. Laura Petler [43:54]

Motive & Planning

• [75:09–76:43]

  • The suspect’s background as a surgeon points to a goal-oriented, methodical personality.
  • Dr. McKee’s alleged stalking and previous threats fit the profile for escalation in domestic violence homicide.

  “If Mr. McKee is found guilty of these murders…the level of planning, extraordinary plan. Yes, it's extraordinary because it is so goal oriented…and he's a surgeon…That's a lot of hard work. That's a goal-oriented profession just in and of itself.” — Dr. Laura Petler [76:03–76:43]

6. Toxicology Findings & Broader Context

• [67:32–71:10]

  • Neither victim had alcohol or illicit drugs in their system.
  • Monique had an antidepressant; speculation is it reflects the anxiety and trauma of ongoing threats/stalking from her ex-husband.

• Stalking and Escalation:

  • McKee was allegedly caught on security cameras lurking around the Tepe home a few weeks prior.
  • Monique confided in friends about threats, but there were no formal police reports filed.

  “And that's what I wonder if maybe the three shots to this right side of the chest might have been the rapid death.” — Ashleigh Banfield [66:14]

  “Stalking, of course, is one of the most common precursor behaviors that is observable in domestic violence homicide…” — Dr. Laura Petler [71:49]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Ashleigh Banfield:

• “Dead men do tell tales from what is left behind.” [14:30]
• “Your kill zone is here...and as a vascular surgeon, you would know exactly what to do…” [48:12]
• “This suspect who's arrested is massive. I mean, I saw him walk into court and I was astounded.” [51:17]

Dr. Laura Petler:

• “This is a dumping of extreme rage in a very instrumental, organized, sophisticated, structured way that is for the purpose of pain and this cathartic way of like releasing emotion, anxiety, perceived wrong.” [10:31]
• “Every single one of those shots is a message, is anger, is ‘you wronged me, I own you’. Those kinds of coercive type controlling behaviors…” [48:57]
• “The scene is always a reflection of the personality, cognition, emotionality of the offender…” [76:43]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• 02:06 — Episode’s shocking hook: autopsy findings far more brutal than reported
• 07:35 — Technical discussion on wound pattern significance
• 16:42 — Details about shooter’s likely handedness based on wound pattern
• 29:12 — Bloodstain analysis as “truth-teller” and its investigative uses
• 37:12 — Transition to analysis of Monique Tepe’s injuries
• 42:27 — Discussion on psychological motives and staging
• 53:10 — Reading of Columbus Dispatch’s autopsy details for Monique
• 67:32 — Toxicology results and their sad implications
• 75:09 — Debrief on suspect’s personality, profession, and methodical planning
• 78:03 — Dr. Petler’s closing remarks on the importance of understanding domestic-violence homicide dynamics

Conclusion

This episode provides a riveting, expert-guided journey through the facts, forensic evidence, and psychology behind the Tepe double homicide — a prime example of calculated, intimate partner violence. Through meticulous explanation and process, Banfield and Dr. Petler illuminate not just the horror but the chilling structure of the crime, the importance of blood and wound analysis, and the overarching patterns common to domestic violence murders. The question of motive, method, and legal proof remains, but Banfield assures listeners that developments in this horrific case will be followed closely — with all the seriousness and irreverent candor the show promises.