Greenville Man Dies After Punch Outside Downtown Bar, Suspect Arrested

A man died hours after being punched to the ground outside a downtown Greenville bar. William Brandon Sanders, 39, was arrested by U.S. Marshals on Sept. 19 after Greenville Police said he punched 45-year-old Jason Haynie outside City Tavern in downtown Greenville, according to an arrest warrant.

The Incident

The incident took place on Wednesday, Sept. 18, around 2:05 a.m. when Haynie and Sanders were in a disagreement that turned physical outside the bar, police spokesman Johnathan Bragg told The Post and Courier. Sanders punched Haynie, causing Haynie to fall backward and strike his head on the sidewalk. Police reviewed camera footage outside the bar and spoke with witnesses to learn who punched Haynie. The case was referred to the U.S. Marshals Task Force, which includes investigators from local jurisdictions with experience in arresting high risk or violent offenders. The task force then arrested Sanders on one charge of voluntary manslaughter, Bragg said.

Investigation and Arrest

Sanders was identified as a suspect after police reviewed camera footage outside the bar and spoke with witnesses. The case was referred to the U.S. Marshals Task Force, which includes investigators from local jurisdictions with experience in arresting high risk or violent offenders. The task force then arrested Sanders on one charge of voluntary manslaughter, Bragg said.

Cause of Death

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office announced that 45-year-old Jason Michael Haynie of Greenville died from blunt force head trauma on Thursday at 11:51 a.m. The manner of death was ruled a homicide. Police and first responders were called to the scene around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, after a man was found unconscious on the sidewalk in front of 128 North Main St. in Greenville, South Carolina.

Aftermath

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Greenville community. City Tavern, where the incident took place, is a popular spot in downtown Greenville. The Greenville Police Department has stated that they are committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens and will continue to investigate the incident. The case is still ongoing, and more information is expected to be released in the coming days.

Greenville Mourns the Loss

The community of Greenville is mourning the loss of Jason Haynie, and many are expressing their condolences to his family and friends. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and avoiding violence. Local authorities are encouraging the community to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to the police department.

Moving Forward

This incident highlights the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to prevent future tragedies. It is crucial for local authorities to prioritize public safety and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to address violence and ensure the well-being of residents. The community also plays a vital role in fostering a safe and secure environment, and it is essential for everyone to work together to address these issues.