Beatrice man is charged with murder and child hostage-taking and pleads not guilty

BEATRICE, Neb. (KOLN) – A Beatrice man accused of killing his partner and holding his children hostage has pleaded not guilty.

Christopher Milke, 51, pleaded not guilty to four counts: second-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony and two counts of kidnapping.

Milke remains in jail without bail, with a bail review scheduled for Nov. 21. His pretrial is scheduled for December 18.

Milke is accused of shooting and killing his partner of 20 years, 52-year-old Tammy Leslie, at their home in Beatrice on September 8.

According to court documents, Milke's 19-year-old daughter called police after he confessed to her, while his 11-year-old son said he heard gunshots. Milke allegedly took their phones and sealed the exits to prevent them from leaving.

After Milke fell asleep, the daughter managed to call the authorities, triggering a police raid that rescued the children and led to his arrest. Officers found Leslie dead with multiple gunshot wounds and recovered matching bullet casings.

Police suspect Milke had locked the exits to the house for a month because of infidelity concerns and was abusing alcohol.

They are also investigating an unreported shooting incident from June involving Milke. Authorities are currently reviewing camera footage from the home for further evidence.

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