Rapper Proof Shot 'In Self Defense'

DeShaun Holton, known as the rapper Proof, was shot and killed after he shot a bouncer inside the CCC nightclub, witnesses told police. The bouncer, Army veteran Keith Bender, 35, remains in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head.

Holton, a member of the hip-hop group D12 and a close friend of Eminem, was pronounced dead on arrival at Holy Cross Hospital early Tuesday after the incident at the nightclub, which is located on Eight Mile Road, made famous in Eminem's 2002 movie, "8 Mile."

Mario Etheridge, 28, surrendered to police Wednesday and cooperated in their investigation, his attorney said. After holding him 48 hours, Detroit police charged Etheridge with carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm inside a building.

Witnesses told police that Etheridge was acting in defense of himself and others when he shot Holton, his attorney said.

"They shouldn't charge him. I have heard no one say that Mario did anything wrong," Etheridge's attorney Randall P. Upshaw told reporters Friday.

Eminem issued a statement, saying, "He pushed me to become who I am. Without Proof's guidance and encouragement there would have been a Marshall Mathers, but probably not an Eminem and certainly never a Slim Shady."

See Also:
Charges Filed in Killing of Eminem Friend

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=1843601"> Lawyer Says Proof Death Not a Crime
Eminem Pays Tribute to His Slain 'Best Friend' Proof

Earlier Article:
Rapper 'Proof' Killed in Detroit Nightclub

More Information:
Mug Shots of Rap, Hip Hop and R&B Stars
Profile of Eminem