Mario Etheridge, the man who allegedly shot Detroit rapper Proof, was charged this afternoon with two felonies — but not with his death inside an after hours club on 8 Mile.
Etheridge, 28, is charged with carrying a concealed weapon, which carries a maximum five-year prison term, and discharging a firearm inside an occupied building, with a maximum four-year prison term. On Saturday he was arraigned and pleaded not guilty on charges of carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm in a building. Bond was set at $70,000 and a preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for April 26.
"This is very, very ridiculous," said Etheridge’s attorney, Randall Upshaw. "If he discharged the weapon wrongfully and killed someone, charge him with a homicide or an assault. If he didn’t discharge it wrongfully, don’t charge him."
Maria Miller, spokeswoman for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, said the case is not closed: "We’re still conducting an investigation in the homicide of Mr. Holton."
A public viewing for Proof is being held today at the Fellowship Chapel in Detroit, and his funeral is scheduled for the following day. According to church representatives, security will be tight as hundreds of fans are expected to attend.
"We are certain we will handle the viewing appropriately," Rev. Wendell of Fellowship Chapel told the Detroit News. "I'm certain everything will be decent and in order. It's a viewing, and that's it."
Etheridge, 28, is charged with carrying a concealed weapon, which carries a maximum five-year prison term, and discharging a firearm inside an occupied building, with a maximum four-year prison term. On Saturday he was arraigned and pleaded not guilty on charges of carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm in a building. Bond was set at $70,000 and a preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for April 26.
"This is very, very ridiculous," said Etheridge’s attorney, Randall Upshaw. "If he discharged the weapon wrongfully and killed someone, charge him with a homicide or an assault. If he didn’t discharge it wrongfully, don’t charge him."
Maria Miller, spokeswoman for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, said the case is not closed: "We’re still conducting an investigation in the homicide of Mr. Holton."
A public viewing for Proof is being held today at the Fellowship Chapel in Detroit, and his funeral is scheduled for the following day. According to church representatives, security will be tight as hundreds of fans are expected to attend.
"We are certain we will handle the viewing appropriately," Rev. Wendell of Fellowship Chapel told the Detroit News. "I'm certain everything will be decent and in order. It's a viewing, and that's it."
