SWAT unit members give account of childrens' rescue, following the shooting of Tammy Leslie
First day trial testimony reviews harrowing police body cam footage.
by Doug Kennedy
BEATRICE, Neb. – Officers who were part of a team that rescued two children being held in the home where their mother was shot, testified in a Gage County District Court trial, Wednesday.
53-year-old Christopher Milke, of Beatrice is on trial in the shooting death of Tammy Leslie, in the couple’s Hillcrest Avenue home September 8th, 2024.
Related Coverage: Opening Milke Trial Testimony Details Police Rescue Call
Team Leader, Sergeant Shane Mololey was part of the five-member unit, and he used a battering ram to force open the front door, which had been nailed or screwed shut.
"The screen door got opened. I hit the door twice. The door came open. I removed myself as quick as I could. Then, I armed myself and Officer Kelly Bryne made the initial step into the doorway with the (ballistic) shield."
In addition to Officers Kelly Byrne and Mololey, Officers Zach Smith, Ben Schank and Sergeant Brian Carver entered the home…..with Carver helping two children, Madyson and Jack, escape to the west of the home. Police body cam footage showed the ordeal, including officers confronting Christopher Milke.
"Show me your hands!...show me your hands! Come on, come on, come on. Come here....get down on the ground! Come on, come on, come on bud (to the children)...Get down on the ground...get on the ground!...all the way!"
A sweep of the house was made and Officer Zach Smith found the body of 53-year-old Tammy Leslie, dead from gunshot wounds in the northeast bedroom of the house.
Carver’s body cam showed the children being safely evacuated from the home.
"How we doing, how we doing!? Okay? Hey, you did a good job, okay, you did a good job. What's your name? (Maddie)...You did a good job, okay...what's your name, buddy?.....(Jack)...Jack, okay."
19-year-old Madyson Milke had been on the phone with Southeast Communications dispatcher Fred Naumann, who in turn was in contact with members of the SWAT unit. Officer Ben Schank gave witness testimony to how the children appeared, shortly after their rescue.
"They appeared to be terrified. (Asst. Co Attorney Braden Dvorak).."And, why do you say that?...(Schank)....Just the expression on their faces.....they just looked like they'd been through a heck of a night....they just looked scared."
Testimony in the trial is scheduled to continue Thursday, at 8:30 a.m.