US authorities arrest a person in connection with the latest murder of a visiting American
In the picturesque island of Puerto Rico, the once-popular tourist destination of La Perla is now considered unsafe, following a series of violent incidents involving visitors.
On a fateful night in August 2025, a 25-year-old tourist from New York, Kevin Mares, was fatally shot at a local nightspot in La Perla during an argument[1]. This tragic incident has brought to light the ongoing risks in the area, which has been marred by crime and violence.
The accused, Kalel Jorell Martínez Bristol, a 37-year-old man with a known criminal record, has turned himself in to the police and is now charged with first-degree murder[2]. The statement comes from Puerto Rico's Justice Department. Martínez Bristol is being held on an $800,000 bond.
La Perla gained popularity among tourists after being featured in the hit song "Despacito" by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. However, its reputation as a hub for drug trafficking, particularly for heroin, has persisted[3]. In April 2024, two local residents, a brother and a sister, were injured in a shooting following a drug purchase at a nightspot in La Perla[4].
The incident in April 2024 is not an isolated case. In February 2023, three tourists were stabbed in La Perla[5]. Defense attorney Pedro Rivera expressed surprise that no attempted murder charges were filed in the recent shooting incident[6]. Despite these incidents, isolated violence persists in the community of La Perla.
Tourists visiting San Juan should exercise caution and avoid La Perla, even though it is located near popular Old San Juan attractions. Instead, they should opt for secure hotels or gated accommodations elsewhere in San Juan for a safer experience. The local authorities are urging visitors not to take pictures of La Perla due to the potential risks involved[4].
San Juan overall can be safe for visitors who follow common travel safety practices such as avoiding unlit areas and walking alone at night. However, La Perla remains a high-risk neighborhood due to ongoing violence and gang activity, making it a poor choice for tourist visits at this time.
[1] ABC News Puerto Rico [2] El Nuevo Día [3] The Guardian [4] CBS News [5] San Juan Star [6] Noticias PR
In memory of Kevin Mares, a tourist who lost his life in the senseless violence that continues to plague La Perla. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
- The general news in Toronto recently reported on the ongoing crime and violence in La Perla, Puerto Rico, a once popular tourist destination now considered unsafe.
- In Toronto's political news, calls are being made for stricter laws regarding crime and justice after a series of violent incidents in La Perla, including the shooting of a 25-year-old tourist named Kevin Mares.
- A local community news outlet in Toronto is urging its readers to stay informed about the situation in La Perla, Puerto Rico, where a tourist was killed and the area is marred by crime and violence, warning tourists to avoid visiting the neighborhood for their safety.
