FORT MYERS, Fla. - An update in the case of a murdered Estero man who was beaten, shot and burned. Three men have already been charged in the death of that victim, Adam Cortes, and Tuesday one of them changed his plea.

Defendant, Dallas Brooks, has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge. Instead of second degree murder, the 30-year-old is now being charged with kidnapping.

That's also in addition to a previous charge of second degree arson.

In exchange, Brooks has agreed to testify against the other two defendants in the case.

Prosecutors say that Brooks was there when Cortes was beat, that he brought rope to help tie up the 23-year-old, and that he was there when the vehicle, with Cortes inside, was burned and dumped in Lehigh Acres last October.

However, prosecutors do not believe Brooks was the one who shot Cortes.

Cortes' parents were in court today. It was for them to hear details of their son's death.

"It's the worst thing, is that you know how much pain he went through for how long and that he had to have been so afraid," said Adam's mother, Debbie Cortes.

Prosecutors recommended a sentence of 15-25 years for Brooks. However, the judge made no commitment to follow that recommendation.

Brooks' sentencing is scheduled for December first.
Meanwhile, the other two defendants have a pre-trial hearing set for October.