The nightclub bouncer who shot and killed D12 member Proof, after the rapper shot his cousin, has escaped jail.
Mario Etheridge, who apologised to Proof’s family in court, was sentenced to time served (after spending a few days in jail awaiting bail) and a $2,000 fine on weapons charges on Thursday by a Wayne County Circuit judge. He was not charged with murder because he acted in his cousin‘s defence.
Detroit native Etheridge, 28, was found guilty of carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm in an occupied building. His crime could have carried a five year jail term.
Etheridge shot 32-year-old Proof, name was Deshaun Holton, after the rap star shot and fatally wounded Etheridge’s 35-year-old cousin, Keith Bender, on April 11 at Detriot‘s C.C.C club on 8 Mile.
Just before Etheridge was sentenced, he delivered tearful apologies to his auntie and Proof‘s parents.
In court, Etheridge described the events to Proof’s death. He said the rapper, who was Eminem’s best friend, pistol-whipped Bender, then shot him in the face.
"I screamed no, and I shot him," Etheridge said.
Judge Massey Jones said action should be taken against the owners of the club.
"My question is, 'Where is the justice in this matter?' " she asked. "The State of Michigan has to take some responsibility if the liquor license is still there."
Etheridge’s lawyer, Randall Upshaw, told the judge that his fans and supporters of the rapper have made his client’s life hell.
"He's been under tremendous stress," Upshaw said. "He's been threatened. He's been unable to live at home."
After Etheridge was sentenced, his aunt -Bender‘s mother - wept with relief. "They murdered my son and tried to take my nephew," she later said. "Mario just tried to save Keith."
