Authorities apprehend suspect linked to fatal shooting of a New York resident during his vacation in Puerto Rico for a Bad Bunny concert.
Kevin Mares, a 25-year-old tourist from Queens, New York, lost his life tragically during a visit to Puerto Rico. Mares was in the island nation to attend one of Bad Bunny's concerts as part of the singer's 30-concert residency, titled "No me quiero ir de aquí."
Mares, who worked as a vet technician and had dreams of becoming a veterinarian, was with friends in the seaside community of La Perla, known for its challenging past with violence and drug trafficking. The area has struggled to shed its reputation, and visitors have been warned to avoid it.
The Incident
The shooting occurred early on a Sunday morning at a nightspot called "Shelter for Mistreated Men" in La Perla. Mares, an innocent bystander, was caught in a heated argument that escalated into gunfire. He was shot in the abdomen and taken to a hospital, where he later died. Two other men were injured during the incident.
Recent Developments
Recently, an arrest was made in connection with the shooting. Kalel Jorell Martinez Bristol, a 37-year-old individual, was charged with first-degree murder. Martinez Bristol allegedly fired the shots without a license to carry a firearm. He is being held on an $800,000 bond.
Mourning and Reflections
The Mares family is focused on bringing Kevin's body back home, and they are seeking closure as the investigation continues. Kevin Mares was a loving partner, planning to propose to his girlfriend this fall. His girlfriend was with him in Puerto Rico at the time of the incident but stayed at the hotel while he and others ventured out.
Kevin Mares was a loving son, born and raised in Queens, New York, with one younger brother. His parents are originally from Mexico. He was a dedicated student, studying at LaGuardia Community College to become a vet technician. In his personal life, he was a loving pet owner, with a pet dog named Jessie.
The incident has highlighted safety concerns in areas like La Perla, especially during large events like the Bad Bunny concerts, which have drawn significant international attention and tourism to Puerto Rico. La Perla, the location of the shooting, once had a sign warning visitors to avoid the area due to its reputation of violence and drug trafficking.
Wake Details
A wake for Kevin Mares will be held at Frederick Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. this weekend.
Mares' family, friends, and the broader community mourn his loss. His dreams, his laughter, and his love for animals will be deeply missed.
The shooting tragedy involving Kevin Mares, a tourist, occurred in La Perla, a seaside community known for its problematic past with violence and drug trafficking. Recently, Kalel Jorell Martinez Bristol, a 37-year-old individual, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting, which took place at a nightspot called "Shelter for Mistreated Men." This incident has brought attention to safety concerns in areas like La Perla, particularly during large events such as Bad Bunny's concerts, which have attracted significant international attention and tourism to Puerto Rico.
