Bond hearing for suspect in Afgh deaths

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - A former Blackwater contractor charged in the shooting deaths of two Afghans is getting a hearing to appeal a judge's order that he be held in custody until his trial.

A bond hearing is set for Tuesday for 29-year-old Chris Drotleff of Virginia Beach. His lawyers filed an appeal with the U.S. District Court in Norfolk, asking that the court review the decision.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Tommy Miller ruled Tuesday that Drotleff is a flight risk and potential danger to the public. A trial date has not been set.

Drotleff and another former contractor are charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder and weapons charges.

Both have said they were justified in opening fire last year on a car that caused an accident in front of their vehicle at a Kabul intersection, then sped toward them.