Beatrice Man Convicted of Killing Partner, Holding Kids Hostage

Authorities say Christopher Milke shot and killed his partner of 20 years, Tammy Leslie, before holding their children captive.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 53-year-old Beatrice man named Christopher Milke was convicted on Thursday for the first-degree murder of his 52-year-old partner Tammy Leslie, as well as charges related to holding his two children hostage at their home. Milke allegedly shot and killed Leslie before sealing the home's exits and preventing his 19-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son from leaving, until his daughter was able to call the police after he fell asleep.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the serious threat of domestic violence and the need for greater resources and support systems to protect victims and their families. It also raises questions about mental health, substance abuse, and access to firearms as contributing factors in such crimes.

The details

According to court records, Milke was convicted of first-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony, kidnapping, first-degree false imprisonment, and tampering with physical evidence. The murder and hostage situation occurred on September 8, 2024 at the couple's Beatrice home. Milke's 19-year-old daughter called police after he confessed to her, while his 11-year-old son reported hearing gunshots. Milke allegedly took their phones and sealed the home's exits, preventing them from leaving. The daughter was able to call authorities after Milke fell asleep, leading to a police raid that rescued the children and resulted in Milke's arrest. Officers found Leslie dead with multiple gunshot wounds and recovered matching shell casings.

  • On September 8, 2024, Milke shot and killed his partner Tammy Leslie at their Beatrice home.
  • Milke's 19-year-old daughter called police after he confessed to her on September 8, 2024.
  • Milke's 11-year-old son reported hearing gunshots on September 8, 2024.
  • Milke was arrested after his daughter called police and a police raid rescued the children on September 8, 2024.
  • Milke is set to be sentenced on March 19, 2026.

The players

Christopher Milke

A 53-year-old Beatrice man who was convicted of first-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony, kidnapping, first-degree false imprisonment, and tampering with physical evidence.

Tammy Leslie

Milke's 52-year-old partner of 20 years, who he shot and killed at their Beatrice home.

Milke's 19-year-old daughter

Called the police after Milke confessed to her about killing Tammy Leslie.

Milke's 11-year-old son

Reported hearing gunshots during the incident at the Beatrice home.

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What’s next

Milke is set to be sentenced on March 19, 2026 for the two class IA felonies, which carry a potential of two life sentences.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for greater domestic violence prevention, intervention, and support services to protect victims and their families from such senseless acts of violence. It also underscores the importance of addressing underlying issues like mental health, substance abuse, and access to firearms that can contribute to these types of crimes.