A Tourist's Tragic Night in La Perla
A young man from New York lost his life in a shocking incident during a trip to Puerto Rico. Kevin Mares, just 25 years old, was visiting the island to enjoy Bad Bunny's concert series. Unfortunately, his journey took a tragic turn in the early hours of a Sunday morning.
The Incident
The incident occurred in La Perla, a well-known but troubled neighborhood near Old San Juan. Mares was at a nightspot called "Shelter for Mistreated Men" when a heated argument broke out. Suddenly, someone pulled out a gun and started shooting. Mares was hit in the abdomen and rushed to the hospital, but he did not survive.
Two other men from La Perla were also injured in the shooting and remained in the hospital. Police are still investigating what led to the violence. They believe Mares was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. His friends, also from New York, were with him for the concert.
La Perla: A Neighborhood with a Complicated History
La Perla has a complicated history. Once a dangerous area known for drug trafficking, it has seen some improvements over the years. Federal raids in 2011 helped reduce violence, and the neighborhood gained some fame after appearing in the hit song "Despacito." However, isolated incidents of violence still occur.
Recent Incidents Involving Tourists
In recent months, tourists have been targeted in La Perla. In February 2023, three tourists were stabbed after being told not to film in the area. Then, in April 2024, a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after a drug-related altercation. These incidents highlight the ongoing risks in certain parts of the island.
Safety in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has seen a decrease in homicides this year compared to last year. So far in 2024, there have been 277 killings, down from 325 in the same period in 2023. While progress is being made, the recent tragedy serves as a reminder that safety can vary greatly depending on the location.