US tourist and New York native, Kevin Mares, was fatally shot while visiting La Perla, Puerto Rico, with his girlfriend, Angy Nicol Arguello. Officials reported that Mares was shot twice, in the abdomen and side, before being rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. They believed he was an innocent bystander, witness to a fight between two people nearby. According to a La Perla local, the shooter is still at large.
Mourning The Loss
Mares and his girlfriend of six years were in La Perla for a concert when their trip took a turn for the worse. Hours before the shooting, the couple were seen posting photos of palm trees, resort pools, and cheering with their glasses. Mares had intentions to propose to Arguello in the upcoming months. His untimely death has brought nothing but sorrow to his loved ones.
It is unfathomable to have something taken from you in a mere matter of seconds, especially during a time that is supposed to be a relaxing vacation. Arguello posted photos of her fiancé-to-be, mourning such a tragic loss. She wrote on Instagram, “I love you, my angel.” In another photo of Mares’ smiling, she wrote, “My love, I love you. I miss you so much. Why, God, did you take him away from me?”
The Shooting
Mares and Arguello were visiting Puerto Rico on vacation with another friend to see famous local rapper Bad Bunny perform in a 30-show residency. The concert alone drew tens of thousands of US tourists.
The couple and another friend were hanging out at “Refuge for Mistreated Men,” a popular spot in La Perla. At approximately 4 a.m. Sunday morning, an argument broke out nearby between two natives of the area. One pulled out a gun in the middle of the fight and fired off rounds. Unfortunately, several bystanders were struck in the process. Homicide detective Sgt. Arnaldo Ruiz reported two other La Perla locals, a brother and sister, were shot as well and remain hospitalized.
Ruiz said they have very little information on the shooter and what the argument was about. San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero said they would release the security camera footage from the area to hopefully help identify the shooter and bring justice to Mares’ family.
Shantytown La Perla
La Perla is a historic district on the outskirts of Old San Juan. It is considered popular among tourists, with a couple of hundred locals living in the town. However, it is not the nicest of areas. It once served as Puerto Rico’s point for heroin distribution and is considered a very dangerous area. Police used to have a sign, “Not open to visitors. Do not enter,” to deter tourists from visiting the district.
In 2011, the town was raided by hundreds of federal agents who arrested dozens of criminals and convicted a well-known drug leader. It was considered a safer neighborhood and more welcoming after the raids were conducted. However, violence persisted. In 2023, three tourists were asked to stop filming the area, and when they did not, they were stabbed. A year later, another tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after trying to take pictures of La Perla.
Bring Kevin Mares Home
The 25-year-old was described by his loved ones as “a deeply loved son, devoted friend, and a source of inspiration to everyone who knew him.” Hector Mares, Kevin’s father, posted a GoFundMe to raise money to help with the costs of bringing his body back to his hometown in New York. The fundraising page said Mares’ “wholehearted kindness, adventurous spirit, and unwavering commitment to family made him a pillar of strength for his loved ones.”
So far, the fund has raised $35,000 out of its $50,000 goal. “Your support will help us honor Kevin’s memory and give him the farewell he deserves. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference as we navigate this unimaginable loss. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us and helping bring Kevin home,” the fundraising page reads.
