The Greer Police Department has noted the Jan. 3 Trade Street shooting as a self-defense incident, with no criminal charges currently being pursued.
On Jan. 3, 2026, at approximately 2:15 a.m., Greer Police responded to the area of Trade Street after receiving a report of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers located several individuals involved in an altercation in front of 308 Trade Street, including Maven Martin, John Rowell and multiple other witnesses. One individual, later identified as Jonathan Kraemer, was found deceased at the scene.
Greer Police detectives, in coordination with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office and the Greenville County Solicitor’s Office, have since been reviewing all evidence in the case. This review has included video surveillance, forensic evidence, digital evidence and interviews with multiple witnesses and individuals directly and indirectly involved.
According to department officials, the investigation indicates that Jonathan Kraemer became involved in a verbal argument on the sidewalk outside 308 Trade Street. During the encounter, Kraemer displayed a knife in a threatening manner. In response, Maven Martin discharged a firearm, striking Kraemer.
Based on the evidence reviewed thus far, Greer Police Department detectives believe the shooting occurred under circumstances consistent with self-defense. At this time, no criminal charges related to the shooting death of Jonathan Kraemer are being pursued.
During the incident, John Rowell sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his lower body. Based on circumstances observed at the scene, Rowell was temporarily taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment. While at the hospital for treatment, officers issued Rowell municipal citations for Interfering with Police and Disorderly Conduct, and he was subsequently released from police custody. He was treated and released from the hospital within hours.
Greer Police Department detectives will continue to follow up on all leads and additional information related to this incident, though department officials do not expect any major updates in the case.
Anyone with information regarding this case should contact Detective Westermeier at (864) 968-7018 or email him at wwestermeier@cityofgreersc.gov.
