A man has been charged with weapons offences following the previously reported death of D12 rapper Proof. Mario Etheridge, aged 28, does not stand accused of harming Proof, aka Deshaun Holton, but has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm in a building. Etheridge's lawyer, Randall Upshaw has told reporters that any shots fired were done so in self defence, saying "if anyone discharged the weapon, it was in defence of others or themselves. If it takes discharging a weapon to save a life, then I find it disturbing that you would be charged with discharging a weapon."
More than one witness has apparently now come forward to say that the first shot was discharged by Holton himself, opening fire on Keith Bender, who, as previously reported, is still critically ill in hospital. Prosecutor Kym Worthy warned reporters not to assume too much from the charges laid on Etheridge, saying "Our investigation in this case is far from over." Assistant prosecutor Maria Miller added: "Our investigation into the death of Proof continues. There can't be any conclusions about anything until that investigation is completed."
Proof's funeral is to be held on Wednesday, according to the star's record label Iron Fist. Meanwhile, Eminem has paid tribute to his friend, who, as previously reported, was best man at his recent re-marriage to Kim Mathers. In a statement he said: "He pushed me to become who I am. Not a day will go by without his spirit and influence around us all. He will be missed as a friend, father and both the heart and ambassador of Detroit hip-hop. He inspired everyone around him. He can never, ever be replaced. He was, and always will be, my best friend."