Kevin Mares dies in fatal La Perla shooting

Kevin Mares dies in fatal La Perla shooting

Fatal La Perla shooting death of Kevin Mares Mares

A fatal shooting involving a United States tourist occurred Sunday morning in La Perla, a well-known coastal community. According to official police statements, the individual who lost their life was Kevin Mares, a 25-year-old resident of New York City.

The incident transpired during the early morning hours at a location known locally as “Shelter for Mistreated Men” within La Perla. This neighborhood, situated on the periphery of the historic Old San Juan district which attracts many tourists, has faced challenges in overcoming its negative past.

Sergeant Arnaldo Ruiz, a member of the Homicide Division, reported over the phone that several individuals near the victim were involved in an altercation at that time. One of those present reportedly retrieved a firearm and discharged it at least three times, with the victim, Kevin Mares, being one of the individuals struck. Two other residents of La Perla sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention in a hospital.

Sergeant Ruiz characterized Kevin Mares as an innocent person who was present at the scene by chance. He was accompanying three friends when this happened. These companions informed law enforcement that their journey to Puerto Rico was connected to one of Bad Bunny’s scheduled performances.

Kevin Mares suffered a gunshot wound to his left abdominal region. Emergency medical services transported him to the largest public hospital in Puerto Rico, but despite their efforts, the victim did not survive the injuries and passed away there.

As of now, authorities have not determined the reason for the argument that preceded the shooting. Furthermore, they lack a description of the person who fired the weapon. Ruiz emphasized the limited amount of information currently available to the investigating team.

It is also confirmed that the three friends of Kevin Mares who were present in Puerto Rico for Bad Bunny’s residency were residents of New York. Their specific hometowns within New York were not provided in the police report.

La Perla is located in a coastal area near the popular tourist destination of Old San Juan. Historically, this shantytown housed around two hundred people and served as a major hub for the distribution of heroin before law enforcement actions significantly reduced the level of violence. The community was once closed off, with a sign stating it was not open to visitors.

Significant improvements in public safety began following a federal operation in 2011. During this event, numerous federal agents conducted searches in the area and apprehended several individuals, including a recognized community figure who was subsequently convicted of charges related to the neighborhood.