Beatrice man sentenced to life in prison for killing partner

By Doug Kennedy

BEATRICE, Neb. — A Beatrice man convicted of killing his partner inside their home while his children were present was sentenced to life in prison Thursday.

A Gage County judge sentenced 53-year-old Christopher Milke to life in prison for the first-degree murder of 42-year-old Tammy Leslie. Under Nebraska law, the conviction carries a mandatory life sentence.

Milke was also sentenced to a second life term for kidnapping, along with consecutive prison terms of 49 to 50 years for use of a firearm to commit a felony and tampering with physical evidence, and three years for first-degree false imprisonment, according to court records.

The conviction followed a jury trial in Gage County District Court that began Feb. 2 and concluded in mid-February.

Prosecutors said Milke killed Leslie inside their Beatrice home on Sept. 8, 2024, while their children were inside. Evidence presented at trial included testimony from the couple’s children, along with investigators and medical experts.

During sentencing, Judge Rick Schreiner described the case in stark terms, telling Milke, “This isn’t a whodunit. Mr. Milke, it’s a you-dunit.”

As the judge detailed the events of that day, Milke interrupted from the defense table, saying, “I never said it was. It was self-defense. If you can’t see that, you shouldn’t be a judge and they shouldn’t be a prosecutor.”

Schreiner responded, “I gave you an opportunity to say whatever you wanted to say. Now it’s my turn.”

The judge then described the killing, saying Milke “backed Tammy Leslie into a corner and shot her in the face,” and continued firing as she fell to the floor.

“This was cold-blooded, premeditated murder,” Schreiner said. “You thought about killing her for months, and then you acted on those thoughts.”

According to testimony, the couple’s children, Madyson and Jack, were inside the home during the incident and later testified at trial. Authorities said the children were not allowed to contact anyone, and parts of the home had been secured shut.

After communicating with people outside the home, a SWAT team entered the residence early that morning and safely removed the children. Leslie was found dead in a bedroom from gunshot wounds.

During sentencing, Madyson delivered an emotional victim impact statement, telling the court she was speaking on behalf of her mother.

“She cannot tell you what she went through, the years of abuse, the fear, the sadness, and finally the terror in her last moments,” she said. “She cannot ask for justice, but I can. Please do not show mercy to the man who showed none to her.”

Milke maintained his innocence when given the chance to speak, telling the court, “It wasn’t murder.” He also criticized the trial, saying, “There wasn’t anything fair about this trial.”

Judge Schreiner also addressed Milke’s demeanor in court, saying he appeared to smile and laugh during the victim impact statement.

“I have never seen a defendant have so much fun at a murder trial and be so disrespectful of the victims,” the judge said.

He concluded by addressing the lasting impact on the children.

“Tammy’s children will never draw another breath free from the consequences of your actions,” Schreiner said. “Your ability to victimize and terrorize them ends today. It ends now, and it ends for eternity.”

Court records show Milke was credited with 558 days already served and has 30 days to appeal.

The case was investigated by the Beatrice Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol, with prosecution assistance from the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office and the Gage County Attorney’s Office.

Officials say the case underscores the lasting impact of domestic violence and the importance of supporting victims and their families.

Previous Coverage:

Milke found guilty in murder of Tammy Leslie

Jury hears closing arguments in murder trial of Christopher Milke

Children of shooting victim testify

Tuesday morning testimony focused on autopsy findings and investigative evidence from NSP