Weapons Charges For Proof Bouncer

The man authorities say killed Proof in lawful defense of another man in a Detroit nightclub shooting was convicted of two weapons charges related to the incident.

A jury found Mario Etheridge guilty of carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm inside the CCC nightclub. He could be punished up to five years in prison for the concealed weapon charge, but Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Elizabeth Walker told the Detroit Free Press he might be sentenced only to probation because of his clean record.

Authorities say Etheridge shot Proof (real name: Deshaun Holton) after Proof fatally shot Etheridge’s cousin, Keith Bender. Etheridge’s lawyer has said the altercation was fueled by a dispute during a game of pool at the nightclub, which is located on Eight Mile Road.

Proof was a close friend of Eminem and part of rap group D12.

Etheridge allegedly fired two shots inside the building in an attempt to stop Proof from shooting Bender, leading to the charge of firing indoors.

“No one can calm a violent situation by introducing a weapon,” Walker, who handled the case, said. “Today’s verdict proves this.”

Sentencing is scheduled for October 17th.