SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A U.S. tourist identified as Kevin Mares, a 25-year-old resident of New York, was tragically shot and killed early Sunday morning while visiting Puerto Rico for Bad Bunny's residency. The incident occurred in La Perla, a notorious seaside community known both for its picturesque views and its troubled history.
The shooting took place at around 3 a.m. at a venue named Shelter for Mistreated Men. According to police, Mares was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire during an argument among several individuals nearby. During this confrontation, one person drew a gun and shot at least three people, including Mares. Two local men were also injured in the incident and are currently hospitalized.
Detective Sgt. Arnaldo Ruiz stated that Mares was not involved in the altercation and had come to Puerto Rico with three friends, all visiting for one of Bad Bunny's numerous concerts, which have attracted significant crowds to the U.S. territory. Mares was shot in the abdomen and subsequently transported to Puerto Rico's largest public hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later that morning.
As of now, authorities have not identified the shooter and have little information regarding the argument that precedes the shooting. Ruiz mentioned the ongoing lack of details, stating, “We have very little information.” The three friends accompanying Mares were also from New York, but their specific hometowns have not been disclosed.
La Perla is located adjacent to the historic area of Old San Juan, a popular destination for tourists. The area has a small population of a few hundred residents and has had a history marked by violence and drug trafficking, previously known as Puerto Rico's largest distribution point for heroin. Law enforcement had a long-standing reluctance to venture into the community, which once displayed a sign reading, “Not open to visitors. Do not enter.”
The situation began to improve following a significant federal crackdown in 2011, during which agents arrested numerous individuals, including a prominent community leader. This effort contributed to a decline in violence, aided by positive media exposure when Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featured the neighborhood in their global hit “Despacito.” Despite these improvements, isolated incidents of violence have continued to erupt within the community.
Earlier this year, in February 2023, three tourists were stabbed after an altercation occurred due to their filming within the community. Additionally, in April 2024, a 24-year-old tourist from Delaware was killed and his body was set on fire following a reported drug transaction where the victims attempted to take photographs of La Perla despite being instructed not to do so.
To date, the island of Puerto Rico, home to approximately 3.2 million residents, has recorded 277 killings this year, a decrease from 325 killings in the same timeframe of the previous year.
