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Surgeon Accused of Murder: Surveillance Details Emerge

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. cused-of-murder-surveillance-details-emerge.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 22:08 GMT by New York Post
      Locales: Ohio, UNITED STATES

Chester Township, Ohio - February 23rd, 2026 - Disturbing details have emerged in the case of Michael McKee, a former surgeon accused of the January 12th murder of Joseph Smith, the husband of his ex-wife, Linda McKee. Court documents reveal that McKee allegedly engaged in weeks of surveillance outside Linda McKee's Chester Township home prior to the fatal shooting, painting a picture of a calculated and disturbing act of violence.

The Portage County Prosecutor's Office has characterized McKee's behavior as that of a "psycho" in a motion to keep him detained without bond, a request currently upheld. The allegations center around a pattern of behavior indicating premeditation and a chilling obsession with his ex-wife, even after their divorce was finalized in December 2024.

According to the filed documents, McKee, 51, began monitoring Linda McKee's residence in the weeks leading up to the murder. While the specific methods of surveillance remain under investigation, the persistent presence near her home establishes a clear intent to observe and, ultimately, confront both Linda McKee and her new partner, Joseph Smith, 41, a construction worker. This isn't simply a crime of passion, investigators believe, but a carefully planned act driven by resentment and possessiveness.

The divorce proceedings, initiated by Linda McKee in 2023, appear to have been a catalyst for McKee's alleged actions. The swiftness with which he began dating Smith after the divorce became official seemingly fueled his anger. Experts in domestic violence often highlight the danger posed by individuals who struggle to accept the end of a relationship, particularly when their former partner moves on. The shift in Linda McKee's life, finding happiness with Smith, appears to have triggered a violent response from her ex-husband.

On the day of the murder, police discovered a rental car abandoned near Linda McKee's home. While McKee was not present at the scene, the vehicle quickly became a focal point of the investigation. Inside, authorities found a handwritten note expressing despair and hopelessness, stating, "I can't do this anymore. I can't live like this." While the note could be interpreted in various ways, prosecutors argue it solidifies the premeditated nature of the crime, suggesting McKee had planned the act and felt overwhelmed by his emotional state.

McKee was apprehended three days later in Nashville, Tennessee, bringing an end to a brief but intense manhunt. He now faces charges of murder, stalking, aggravated menacing, and trespassing. He has entered a plea of not guilty to all counts.

His attorney, Andrew Patrizio, has declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing the ongoing investigation. This silence is not unusual in high-profile criminal cases, as attorneys often advise their clients to refrain from public statements that could potentially harm their defense.

The case has drawn significant attention not only due to the alleged actions of a former medical professional but also because of the chilling details of the surveillance and the apparent motive. It raises serious questions about the warning signs of domestic violence and the potential for escalation when individuals struggle with rejection and control.

Domestic violence experts stress the importance of recognizing patterns of controlling behavior, even after a relationship has ended. Stalking, harassment, and threats are all red flags that should be taken seriously and reported to authorities.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The trial is expected to be closely watched, as it promises to shed further light on the events leading up to the tragic death of Joseph Smith and the alleged actions of Michael McKee. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for similar cases involving post-divorce stalking and violence, and could have implications for the legal understanding of domestic abuse in Ohio and beyond.