Proof Shooter's Trial Begins

[Lakerfan 4 Life]

Five months after the fatal shooting of D12 rapper, and Eminem's best friend Proof. The trial of shooter Mario Etheridge has begun.

Etheridge isn't on trial for the death of Proof though, he is on trial illegally firing a weapon in an occupied building and carrying a concealed weapon. A charge which carries a maximum five year sentence.

A total of four people took the stand to testify yesterday. Of the four individuals, three stated that Proof had initially argued with another man before approaching Keith Bender.

Andre Boyd testified that Proof's argument with the unidentified man was loud. He described how Proof later fought with Bender and how a large man, thought to be Etheridge, fired three shots at the ceiling.

Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Elizabeth Walker as beginning her opening argument on Monday by stating that Proof did not reach for his gun while exchanging fists with Bender until Etheridge fired warning shots.

"That was the first display, the first use, the first time anyone knew about a weapon," she said.

Etheridge's lawyer, Randall Upshaw, would later respond by saying his client was not aggressive until Proof had shot his cousin.

The trial, which is expected to last two days in Wayne Circuit Court, is the latest chapter in the continuing story surrounding Proof's death.

In May, prosecutors announced they would not press murder charges against Etheridge, saying he acted lawfully in defending Bender.

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