Greer detectives have officially ruled the fatal shooting of Jonathan Gilbert Kraemer as an act of self-defense after evidence showed Kraemer brandished a knife during an argument outside Ollie’s Tavern. No criminal charges will be pursued against Maven Martin, who discharged the firearm in response to the immediate threat.
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GREER, SC (2-minute read) — A deadly encounter outside a popular Greer establishment has officially been ruled a case of self-defense by local authorities. The Greer Police Department concluded their investigation into the January 3 incident that occurred outside Ollie’s Tavern on Trade Street around 2:15 a.m. Officers arrived at the scene to find Jonathan Gilbert Kraemer of Lyman deceased following a confrontation on the sidewalk.
According to investigators, the event began as a verbal argument that quickly turned physical. During the dispute, Kraemer reportedly pulled out a knife in a threatening manner. In response to the blade being brandished, Maven Martin discharged a firearm, striking Kraemer and another individual, John Rowell, who was standing in close proximity.
The Legal Threshold of Self-Defense and Bystander Safety
While the loss of life is always tragic, Greer detectives determined that the circumstances of the shooting aligned with South Carolina’s self-defense laws. Because Martin was faced with a lethal threat: a knife in a threatening manner, the use of a firearm was deemed a justified response to prevent serious bodily harm or death. Notably, John Rowell, who was wounded in the lower body, was treated and released from the hospital shortly after.
Interestingly, Rowell did not leave the hospital a free man; he was issued municipal citations for interfering with police and disorderly conduct before being released from custody. This highlights the chaotic nature of late-night altercations and the intense scrutiny law enforcement applies to everyone involved in a shooting scene.
At this time, the Greer Police Department has confirmed that no criminal charges related to the death of Kraemer are being pursued against Martin.
Safety Tip: When a verbal argument escalates to the point where a weapon is brandished, the window for de-escalation has often closed. If you are a concealed carry holder, your firearm should only be introduced when there is an immediate, articulable threat to life. Be aware that in crowded environments like a sidewalk outside a bar, your “backstop” is critical; every round fired carries the risk of hitting unintended bystanders, which can lead to complex legal and civil liabilities even in a justified shooting.
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