Mario Etheridge, the security guard who fatally shot D12's Proof earlier this year, has been convicted on two weapons charges by a Detroit jury. As previously reported, Etheridge faced charges of carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm inside a building, but was not charged with the killing of Proof, aka Deshaun Holton, as authorities ruled that he was acting in the defence of his cousin who was shot by Holton that night, Keith Bender.
The court, as reported, were told that Etheridge fired warning shots into the ceiling, and, the prosecution said, that escalated the intensity of the situation and prompted Proof to fire at Bender. Prosecutor Elizabeth Walker, commenting on the jury's decision said "No one can calm a violent situation down by introducing a weapon. Today's verdict proves this."
Walker added that although in theory Etheridge now faces up to nine years in prison, he may in fact only receive probation as he has no prior record. Sentencing is scheduled to take place on 17 Oct.