US Tourist Fatally Shot in Puerto Rico's La Perla
US tourist Kevin Mares, 25, was fatally shot in La Perla, Puerto Rico, while visiting for a Bad Bunny concert, raising safety concerns.
New Yorker visiting Puerto Rico for Bad Bunny concert killed by stray bullet
New York Daily News
Overview
- Kevin Mares, a 25-year-old US tourist from New York, was fatally shot in La Perla, Puerto Rico, during predawn hours while visiting for a Bad Bunny concert.
- The shooting happened at 'Shelter for Mistreated Men' in La Perla, a seaside shantytown near Old San Juan, where Mares was reportedly hit by a stray bullet.
- Mares suffered a fatal gunshot wound to his left abdomen and died at the island's largest public hospital; police have limited information on the shooter or argument.
- Two other men from La Perla were also injured in the shooting and are currently hospitalized, indicating a broader incident beyond just the tourist's death.
- The incident highlights La Perla's historical challenges as a dangerous community police once avoided, despite recent improvements, leading to tragic visitor incidents.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by highlighting La Perla's "dark reputation" and history of violence, despite the victim being an "innocent bystander." They emphasize the location's past as a drug hub and recent tourist-involved incidents, creating a narrative that links the shooting to the area's perceived danger rather than focusing solely on the specific, unprovoked nature of the attack.
"A tourist from New York was fatally shot early Sunday while visiting Puerto Rico to attend Bad Bunny's residency, police said."
CBS News"A U.S. tourist who was visiting Puerto Rico for Bad Bunny's residency was fatally shot at La Perla, a popular seaside shantytown, police said."
ABC News"The shooting happened in the predawn hours at a nightspot called “Refuge for Mistreated Men” in La Perla, a coastal community that has struggled to shed its dark reputation."
Associated PressArticles (4)
Center (3)
FAQ
La Perla has a long history of crime primarily related to drugs, but recent years have seen some improvements. Historically, it was considered dangerous enough that police avoided the area, though the crime did not spill into the neighboring Old San Juan. Tourist-related violent incidents have increased since 2021, including fatal shootings and stabbings involving visitors.
While La Perla is less dangerous than in previous decades due to community efforts and some restoration, it remains a high-crime area and caution is advised. Visitors are recommended to avoid taking photos or videos and to stay mindful of their surroundings. Recent violent incidents including the fatal shooting of a tourist reinforce the need for caution.
Kevin Mares was fatally shot by a stray bullet during predawn hours at the 'Shelter for Mistreated Men' in La Perla while attending a Bad Bunny concert. The police have limited information about the shooter or possible argument; other local men were also injured, indicating a broader violent incident.
Puerto Rico has a higher overall crime rate than the U.S. mainland. Despite that, most tourist areas in Puerto Rico are relatively safe when reasonable precautions are taken, though some neighborhoods like La Perla have notably high crime and require extra caution.
Community initiatives such as colorful renovations of properties started in 2017, organization of cultural events like music and art lessons, and rehabilitation of public spaces like basketball courts have been implemented to improve La Perla's image and safety. However, despite these efforts, crime incidents involving visitors have still occurred.
History
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