A tourist from New York was fatally shot early Sunday while visiting La Perla, a popular seaside shantytown near Old San Juan, to attend a concert by rapper Bad Bunny. Kevin Mares, 25, died after being shot on the left side of his abdomen at a nightspot called “Shelter for Mistreated Men.”
According to police, several people began arguing, and one pulled out a gun, shooting at least three others. Two men from La Perla were also injured.
Police Detective Sgt. Arnaldo Ruiz said Mares was an innocent bystander who was visiting Puerto Rico with friends to attend one of Bad Bunny’s 30 concerts. The musician’s residency has drawn tens of thousands of visitors to the island.
La Perla, once known for its violence and heroin distribution, has seen a decrease in crime after federal agents raided the area in 2011. However, isolated incidents persist, including recent violent attacks on tourists. In February 2023, three tourists were stabbed, and in April 2024, a Delaware tourist was killed and his body set on fire.
Puerto Rico has reported 277 killings so far this year, down from 325 in the same period last year. The island’s homicide rate remains a concern despite efforts to improve safety.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-tourist-killed-puerto-rico-la-perla-bad-bunny-residency-police