by Mindy Aguon

Guam - One of four defendants charged in the death of 9-year-old Brandon Evangelista changed his plea to guilty today and agreed to testify against his co-defendants. Roy Cruz, Jr. appeared in the Superior Court today, pleading guilty to a charge of hindering apprehension, a third degree felony.

Cruz, his father Roy Cruz, Sr., Rose Marie Evangelista and Theodora Hernandez all face various charges related to the boy's death. Brandon was riding on the trunk of his mother's car when he fell off and was run over and dragged by another vehicle, allegedly driven by Hernandez. In exchange for his cooperation, the Attorney General's Office has agreed to recommend a one-year imprisonment be suspended and a period of two years probation be imposed.

Roy Jr. was released today and a further proceedings hearing has been scheduled for October 14. Rose Evangelista meanwhile is scheduled to find out when she will go to trial on July 20.