New York man shot dead after Bad Bunny concert in Puerto Rico; victim identified as Kevin Mares

A 25-year-old US tourist visiting Puerto Rico for a Bad Bunny concert was fatally shot in La Perla after being caught in gunfire at a seaside bar.

Updated on: Aug 11, 2025, 09:32:51 IST

By Eshana Saha

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A US tourist who traveled to Puerto Rico for a Bad Bunny concert was fatally shot early Sunday in La Perla, a small seaside community on the outskirts of Old San Juan known for its turbulent past. Police identified the victim as 25-year-old Kevin Mares, a New York resident.

A 25-year-old New Yorker visiting Puerto Rico for a Bad Bunny concert was fatally shot at La Perla. (REUTERS)

The shooting occurred in the early hours at a local nightspot called “Shelter for Mistreated Men.” Homicide detective Sgt. Arnaldo Ruiz said the incident began when several people started arguing. One person pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking at least three men - including Mares, who was described as an innocent bystander.

Mares, who was with three friends also visiting from New York, suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of his abdomen. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The other two victims, residents of La Perla, remain hospitalized.

Also Read | ‘Unsettled’ CDC shooter Patrick Joseph White was armed with five firearms: Report

Shooter still at large

Authorities said they have no clear description of the suspect and are still investigating the motive behind the altercation. “We have very little information,” Sgt. Ruiz stated. Mares’ friends told police they were in Puerto Rico specifically for the concert.

Also Read | Baltimore mass shooting leaves six injured, including child, juvenile; hunt on for suspect

La Perla’s troubled history

La Perla, located along the coast outside Old San Juan, has long struggled with a reputation for crime and drug activity. Once Puerto Rico’s largest heroin distribution hub, the neighborhood saw reduced violence after a major federal raid in 2011. However, sporadic violent incidents have persisted.

In April 2024, another tourist was killed and his body set on fire after he and a friend were attacked following a drug-related encounter. Police said they had been warned not to take pictures of the area.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Sunday’s shooting to come forward.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eshana Saha
Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.