Fatal Shooting of U.S. Tourist at Puerto Rico’s La Perla During Bad Bunny Residency Highlights Persisting Violence

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, a tourist from New York met an unfortunate end after being fatally shot early Sunday morning at La Perla, a notorious coastal community. The victim was identified as Kevin Mares, aged 25, who was visiting the island for Bad Bunny’s residency.

The shooting took place at “Refuge for Mistreated Men,” a nightspot within La Perla. According to homicide detective Sgt. Arnaldo Ruiz, an argument among a group of people escalated, resulting in one individual drawing a firearm and firing multiple shots, striking Mares and two others from the same community. The injured duo, aged in their mid-40s, remain hospitalized.

Ruiz confirmed that Mares was an innocent bystander, who was accompanying three friends also from New York. The group had traveled to Puerto Rico for one of Bad Bunny’s concerts, which have drawn tens of thousands of visitors to the U.S. territory.

Mares sustained a gunshot wound to his left abdomen and was transported to Puerto Rico’s largest public hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Ruiz disclosed that the cause of the argument remains unknown, and no description of the shooter has been obtained as police continue their investigation. Mares’ friends also hail from New York, but their hometowns have not been disclosed.

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero stated he would release security camera footage from the area, mentioning that Mares’ partner chose not to accompany him to La Perla. The incident occurred at 4:13 a.m., despite a municipal code enacted in 2023 restricting authorized businesses in San Juan to serve or sell alcohol between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday if Monday is a holiday.

La Perla is situated near the tourist-friendly Old San Juan district. Historically known for its drug trafficking and violence, the community has seen improvements since a large-scale raid by federal agents in 2011 and the conviction of a well-known community leader. The neighborhood gained renewed attention following Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s hit “Despacito,” which showcased La Perla.

However, occasional acts of violence still occur. In February 2023, three tourists were stabbed after being told to stop filming within the community. In April 2024, a tourist from Delaware was fatally shot and his body set on fire following an altercation related to a drug purchase. Police warned the victims against taking pictures of La Perla before the incident.

As of this year, Puerto Rico has reported 277 homicides, compared to 325 during the same period in the previous year.