Nichols to appear court this week

ATLANTA, March 13 (UPI) -- Brian Nichols, suspected in four Atlanta killings, might appear in court as early as Monday or Tuesday, officials said.

Nichols, the subject of a massive manhunt last week, is in federal custody charged with killing David Wilhelm, an agent with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Nichols was being held Sunday at the maximum security Atlanta Federal Penitentiary.

U.S. Attorney David Nahmias said his office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives filed a federal criminal complaint against Nichols.

"This is essentially a holding charge that will ensure Mr. Nichols' detention while we sort out additional federal and state charges to be brought against him and where he should be held," Nahmias said.

Nichols also faces state charges in Georgia of fatally shooting Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes, court reporter Julie Ann Brandau and sheriff's deputy Sgt. Hoyt Teasley Friday, after overpowering deputy Cynthia Ann Hall, taking her weapon and shooting her. Hall is being treated at an Atlanta hospital and is expected to survive.