On the morning of January 3, 2026, 25-year-old Jonathan Gilbert Kraemer was fatally shot during a confrontation near Ollie’s Tavern on Trade Street in downtown Greer, South Carolina. The shooting occurred about 2:15 a.m. after an argument between Kraemer and another man, identified as Maven Martin, escalated into a physical altercation. Police say Kraemer brandished a knife and Martin drew a firearm; a single gunshot killed Kraemer at the scene, and a nearby man, John Rowell, was also struck by gunfire.

The Greenville County Coroner pronounced Kraemer dead at the scene. Greer detectives investigated the incident and concluded Martin acted in self-defense. Citing state self-defense law, the Greer Police Department announced no criminal charges would be filed and the investigation was closed, the shooting deemed a justified use of force against a lethal threat.

If anyone witnessed the confrontation outside Ollie’s Tavern that morning or has information about the events leading up to it, please share what you know.