Tammy Leslie, 52, was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds at her Hillcrest Street home in Beatrice, Nebraska, on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Known locally for 22 years of caregiving work with Mosaic and as a devoted mother of four and grandmother, she is remembered for a warm, caring nature that touched family and colleagues.

Police were called to the house that morning after one of the children contacted authorities. Officers forced entry through a door and rescued two children, ages 11 and 19. Christopher Milke, 51, who had been in a relationship with Leslie for more than two decades, was at the scene and taken into custody. One child reported hearing four gunshots and later said Milke admitted to shooting Leslie; the child also said Milke had been screwing the doors shut at night for about a month, trapping Leslie and the children inside.

Milke was charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony, and two counts of kidnapping; he pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond. If anyone knew Tammy or has information about what happened that morning, please come forward.