MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- The attorney for a man accused of killing four adults and two children in Memphis last month says his client is "in good spirits" for someone in his situation.

Jessie Dotson appeared Monday before General Sessions Criminal Court Judge Joyce Broffitt, who set a preliminary hearing date of April 30.

If probable cause of Dotson's guilt is established, the case will advance to a grand jury. Dotson is being held without bond.

He's accused of killing his brother Cecil Dotson and Marissa Williams, who were among four adults and two children found shot or stabbed to death March 2 at Cecil Dotson's house.

Police say Dotson admitted killing his brother following a longstanding dispute and then killing the others to cover up the crime.

Defense attorney Gerald Skahan said the case still is still being investigated but that Dotson is looking forward to his day in court.

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Information from: The Commercial Appeal, www.commercialappeal.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)