News

Proof Shooting Suspect Turns Himself In

Events continue to unfold quickly in the wake of the shooting death of Detroit rapper Proof at a nightclub on Eight Mile Road early Tuesday morning (April 11). Now a man wanted by police for questioning in connection with the shooting has turned himself in: 28-year-old Mario Etheridge, a bouncer at the CCC Club where the shooting occurred, and reportedly a cousin to Keith Bender, who was also shot in the head during the gunfight and remains in critical condition.

Although Etheridge has not yet been formally charged, police have issued a warrant for his arrest. The scenario that seems to be emerging, at least in the police's version of events, is that Proof shot first, hitting Bender in the head, and that Etheridge shot and killed Proof in retaliation.

Outside the CCC Club, fan tributes to Proof have begun appearing, including stuffed animals and personal messages. The club has been a trouble spot for years, according to Detroit police, who have responded to 18 incidents there since 1996.

The fatal incident occurred just three months after Proof served as the best man in Eminem's second marriage to Kim Mathers. Many in the Detroit hip-hop scene point to Proof as the catalyst for Eminem's own rap career; the two have been linked as friends since Em's early days, when he had difficulty finding acceptance within rap circles because of his race.

A publicist for D12's label, Interscope Records, said plans for a memorial service were underway, but declined to give details, saying only that Proof's "friends and family would appreciate privacy during this difficult time."

-- The ARTISTdirect Staff
04.11.06