Murder suspect enters no contest plea

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) - A suspect in the brutal murders of a Florida Panhandle couple has decided to change his not guilty plea to one of no contest.

Frederick Thornton is one of seven men were arrested for the murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings. The couple was found shot to death in their Beulah home back in July 2009.

Since Thornton has pleaded no contest, he must now testify against the other defendants in this case. The charges against him have been reduced from capital murder to second degree murder. The state agreed not to seek the death penalty against Thornton, but he could still get life in prison.

FOX10 News will have the latest information in the newest development in this case tonight, on FOX10 News at 5:00 p.m.