San Juan, Puerto Rico — A 25-year-old tourist from New York was shot and killed early Sunday in La Perla, a seaside neighborhood in San Juan, while visiting Puerto Rico for Bad Bunny’s concert residency, according to CNN.
Victim Identified as Kevin Mares
Authorities identified the victim as Kevin Mares, who had traveled to the island with three friends from New York to attend one of Bad Bunny’s 30 shows — events that have drawn tens of thousands of visitors to the U.S. territory.
The shooting occurred in the predawn hours at a nightspot called “Refuge for Mistreated Men”, located in La Perla, a community with a troubled history of violence.
Homicide detective Sgt. Arnaldo Ruiz said the incident began when several people near Mares started arguing. “One pulled out a gun and shot at least three people, including Mares,” Ruiz said. Two local residents — a brother and sister in their mid-40s — were injured and remain hospitalized.
“We have very little information,” Ruiz added, noting that Mares appeared to be an innocent bystander.
Timeline of the Shooting
Police said the gunfire erupted at 4:13 a.m., well beyond the city’s legal alcohol service hours. Under a municipal code passed in 2023, businesses in San Juan can only serve alcohol from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday–Thursday and until 2 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and holiday Sundays.
Mares was shot in the left side of his abdomen and transported to Puerto Rico’s largest public hospital, where he later died.
Friends and Security Footage
Ruiz confirmed that all three of Mares’ friends were from New York, though their exact hometowns were not disclosed.
San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero told reporters he would release security camera footage from the area to aid the investigation. He also mentioned that Mares’ partner had chosen not to accompany him to La Perla that night.
La Perla’s Violent Past
La Perla sits on the edge of Old San Juan, a historic tourist district. Once notorious as Puerto Rico’s largest heroin distribution hub, it bore a sign reading, “Not open to visitors. Do not enter.”
- Violence declined after a 2011 federal raid arrested dozens, including a local leader who was later convicted.
- The neighborhood gained positive attention when Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featured it in the music video for “Despacito.”
However, isolated violence has persisted.
In February 2023, three tourists were stabbed after being told to stop filming.
In April 2024, a 24-year-old tourist from Delaware was killed and his body burned after a drug-related dispute.
Puerto Rico’s Rising Homicide Numbers
The island of 3.2 million people has reported 277 killings so far in 2025, compared to 325 killings during the same period last year.
Public Caution Advised
Authorities are urging visitors to exercise caution, particularly in communities with a history of violence, and to respect local warnings and restrictions.
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