Post by : Meena Ariff

A tragic shooting in the early hours of Sunday claimed the life of a young tourist from the United States who was visiting Puerto Rico for a series of concerts by the famous singer Bad Bunny. The victim, identified as 25-year-old Kevin Mares from New York, was caught in the middle of a violent argument in La Perla, a well-known seaside neighborhood in San Juan.

Police say Mares was an innocent bystander and had no role in the dispute.

How the Incident Happened

The shooting took place shortly after 4 a.m. at a local bar called "Refuge for Mistreated Men" in La Perla. According to Homicide Detective Sgt. Arnaldo Ruiz and several people near Mares began arguing. During the heated exchange, one person pulled out a gun and started shooting.

Three people were hit by bullets, including Mares. The other two victims, a brother and sister in their mid-40s who live in La Perla, are still in the hospital receiving treatment.

Victim Came for Music and Tourism

Mares had traveled to Puerto Rico with three friends from New York to attend one of Bad Bunny’s 30 residency concerts on the island. These shows have drawn tens of thousands of visitors, boosting tourism and nightlife in San Juan.

On the night of the incident, Mares was at the bar without his partner, who had chosen not to join him in La Perla. Friends told police they had been enjoying their visit until the shooting abruptly changed everything.

Emergency Response

Mares was shot on the left side of his abdomen. Emergency services rushed him to Puerto Rico’s largest public hospital, but despite efforts to save his life, he was pronounced dead.

Detective Ruiz said that police still do not know what sparked the argument or the identity of the shooter. “We have very little information at this point,” he added. Investigators are now reviewing security camera footage from the area.

La Perla’s Troubled History

La Perla sits along the coast next to Old San Juan, one of Puerto Rico’s most visited tourist areas. The neighborhood, home to a few hundred residents, was once infamous for crime and drug trafficking. For decades, it had a sign warning outsiders: “Not open to visitors. Do not enter.”

In 2011, a large federal raid involving hundreds of agents resulted in dozens of arrests, including a local community leader. This helped bring some peace to the area.

In 2017, La Perla gained international attention when it was featured in the music video for Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s hit song “Despacito.” This helped boost tourism and created a friendlier image of the neighborhood.

However, isolated violence still occurs.

Past Tourist Attacks in La Perla

This is not the first time visitors have been harmed in La Perla:

• February 2023: Three tourists were stabbed after being told to stop filming inside the neighborhood.

• April 2024: A 24-year-old tourist from Delaware was killed and his body set on fire after a violent incident police linked to a drug-related dispute.

Authorities have warned tourists to be cautious and to respect local customs and safety rules when visiting certain areas.

Legal Alcohol Sale Hours Ignored

The shooting happened after 4 a.m., even though San Juan’s municipal code limits alcohol sales:

• Sunday to Thursday: 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

• Friday and Saturday: until 2 a.m. (or Sunday if Monday is a holiday)

This raises questions about the enforcement of the law in nightlife districts.

Rising Crime Concerns

Puerto Rico, an island with a population of 3.2 million, has recorded 277 killings so far this year, compared to 325 in the same period last year. While the numbers are slightly lower, violent crimes—especially those involving firearms—remain a major concern.

Authorities fear such incidents could hurt the island’s growing tourism industry, which has been recovering strongly since the pandemic.

Mayor’s Response

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero said he will release security camera footage from the area to help the investigation. He expressed his condolences to Mares’ family and condemned the violence, calling it a “senseless tragedy” that has no place in the city.

Ongoing Investigation

Police are now working to identify the shooter. They are interviewing witnesses, analyzing video evidence, and following up on tips. Mares’ friends remain in Puerto Rico to assist investigators.

Authorities have urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, stressing that public cooperation is vital to solving the case and ensuring justice for the victims.

Remembering Kevin Mares

Friends described Mares as a joyful, kind-hearted young man who loved music and traveling. His trip to Puerto Rico was supposed to be a fun summer getaway filled with concerts, beaches, and good memories.

Instead, it ended in tragedy—highlighting how quickly moments of joy can turn to grief when violence strikes unexpectedly.