(KLZA)--An October 9th preliminary hearing is set for a 51-year-old Beatrice, Nebraska man facing charges of second degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony and two counts of kidnapping.

Christopher Milke was arraigned Friday in a Gage County courtroom on the charges in connection with the September 8 death of 52-year-old Tammy Leslie in Beatrice. He is also accused of holding his 19-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son hostage in the home after allegedly killing their mother.

Milke is being held without bond. If convicted he faces a period of 25 years to life in prison.