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

Christopher Milke, 51, pleaded not guilty to four charges: 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 November 21. His preliminary hearing 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 Sept. 8.

According to court documents, Milke’s 19-year-old daughter called the police after he confessed to her, while his 11-year-old son reported hearing gunshots. Milke allegedly took their phones and blocked the exits, preventing them from leaving.

Her daughter managed to call authorities after Milke fell asleep, which led to a police raid that rescued the children and led to her arrest. Officers found Leslie dead with multiple gunshot wounds and found matching bullet casings.

Police suspect Milke has been blocking the exits of the house and drinking alcohol for a month due to concerns of infidelity.

They are also investigating an unreported shooting in June involving Milke. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage of the home to find more evidence.

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