A tragic incident unfolded early Sunday in Puerto Rico when a 25-year-old tourist from New York, identified as Kevin Mares, was fatally shot while visiting the island to attend one of Bad Bunny’s highly anticipated residency concerts.
The shooting occurred in La Perla, a seaside neighborhood near Old San Juan that is popular with tourists but has a long and complex history.
According to a police statement, the incident took place in the predawn hours at a nightspot ominously named “Shelter for Mistreated Men.” Authorities confirmed that Mares was shot on the left side of his abdomen and was rushed to Puerto Rico’s largest public hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Homicide detective Sgt. Arnaldo Ruiz told The Associated Press that the shooting occurred after an argument broke out among several individuals near where Mares was standing. In the chaos, one person pulled out a firearm and opened fire, hitting at least three people.
Two other men, both residents of La Perla, were also injured during the incident and remain hospitalized. Ruiz emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages, with police working to establish a motive.
“We’re still in the early stages of establishing a motive for the events. We can’t rule anything out until the interviews are completed,” Ruiz told local media, according to El Nuevo Día.
Authorities believe Mares was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. He had traveled to Puerto Rico with three friends, all from New York, to attend one of Bad Bunny’s 30 concerts that have been drawing tens of thousands of fans to the U.S. territory.
La Perla, the site of the shooting, is a coastal community located on the outskirts of Old San Juan. While it is known for its colorful buildings and ocean views, the neighborhood has a violent history. For decades, La Perla served as Puerto Rico’s largest distribution hub for heroin and was notorious for crime, with signs at its entrances warning visitors: “Not open to visitors. Do not enter.”
In 2011, a major federal raid involving hundreds of agents led to dozens of arrests, including the detention of a well-known community leader who was later convicted. This operation marked a turning point, making the area safer and more welcoming to outsiders.
The neighborhood gained global recognition in 2017 after Puerto Rican stars Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featured it in their worldwide hit music video “Despacito.” Since then, it has become a cultural attraction for tourists, though occasional violence has persisted.
Despite its improved image, La Perla has been the site of several violent incidents involving tourists:
- February 2023: Three tourists were stabbed after allegedly being told to stop filming inside the community.
- April 2024: A 24-year-old tourist from Delaware was killed, and his body was set on fire after an alleged drug-related altercation. Police reported the victims had tried to take photos in La Perla despite being warned against it.
The latest killing of Mares has reignited discussions about safety in Puerto Rico’s tourist areas, particularly in neighborhoods with troubled pasts.
Puerto Rico, with a population of around 3.2 million people, has been grappling with high levels of violent crime. Authorities report that there have been 277 homicides so far this year, compared with 325 killings in the same period in the previous year.
While officials have made significant strides in improving safety in tourist zones, sporadic violent incidents underscore the need for caution among visitors.
The incident also casts a shadow over Bad Bunny’s residency, which has been a major cultural and economic event for Puerto Rico. The reggaeton superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is hosting 30 concerts that have drawn thousands of visitors from around the world, boosting tourism and local businesses.
For many, including Mares and his friends, attending the residency was meant to be a celebration of music and culture. Instead, the trip ended in tragedy, leaving friends, family, and fans mourning a life cut short.
Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage in hopes of bringing those responsible to justice.
