News

Man Allegedly Shot by Proof Dies

Keith Bender Jr., the 35-year-old retired Army sergeant who was shot and critically wounded in the same gun battle that took the life of D12 rapper Proof, has died.

Bender was pronounced dead in the early hours of Tuesday, April 18. Officials at Detroit's St. John Hospital and Medical Center, where he had been on life support since the April 11 shooting, would not confirm cause of death, but a hospital spokesperson did say that "it's safe to say that he died from his wounds."

Bender was allegedly shot in the face by Proof at Detroit's CCC nightclub, before Proof himself was gunned down by a second shooter. Police's prime suspect for that shooting remains Bender's cousin, 28-year-old Mario Etheridge, who worked at the club as a bouncer.

A public viewing for Proof is taking place today (Tuesday, April 18) at Detroit's Fellowship Chapel under extremely tight security. There will be a private funeral tomorrow.

The Detroit Free Press reports that local authorities will attempt to have the CCC Club shut down for good in the wake of last week's shooting, which was just the latest in a long string of incidents there requiring police response.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
04.18.06