Queens Man Dies in Puerto Rico Shooting
Courtesy Mares Family
MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
A Queens man visiting Puerto Rico to attend a Bad Bunny concert was fatally shot early Sunday at a nightclub in San Juan’s La Perla neighborhood, authorities said.
Kevin Mares, 25, of East Elmhurst, was an innocent bystander when a fight broke out between two men at Refugio de Hombres Maltratados just before 4:15 a.m., police said. One of the men pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking Mares in the left side of his abdomen, according to local Puerto Rican authorities.
Mares was rushed to Puerto Rico’s largest public hospital, where he died. Two other men from the area were also shot and remained hospitalized, Ruiz said. The suspected shooter has not been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.
Mares had traveled to Puerto Rico with his girlfriend, her brother and a friend for the trip. His girlfriend stayed at the hotel that night, while Mares went out with the others, his parents said. They had warned him about venturing out late.
A veterinary technician on Long Island, Mares was studying to become a veterinarian. He was a devoted fan of Bad Bunny and had already seen the Puerto Rican superstar perform multiple times. His family said he had been preparing to propose to his girlfriend of six years this fall.
“Kevin had a bright future ahead, with plans to propose … and he was always creating memories with those closest to him,” his family said in a statement. “Family was at the center of everything he did, and his sudden passing has left an unfillable void in our lives.”
Mares’ relatives are raising money to bring his body back to New York for a funeral. They said the process will cost about $23,000. A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover transportation and funeral expenses at Frederick Funeral Home in Queens.
“This past weekend, while in Puerto Rico celebrating with friends and preparing to attend the Bad Bunny concert, Kevin was tragically caught in the crossfire of a shooting,” the GoFundMe reads. “Your support will help us honor Kevin’s memory and give him the farewell he deserves.”
La Perla, located just outside the historic district of Old San Juan, is a seaside shantytown once notorious for drug trafficking and violence. For decades, police avoided the area, which even had signs warning visitors to stay away. A 2011 federal raid and dozens of arrests brought improvements, and the neighborhood gained international attention after being featured in the hit song “Despacito” by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.
In recent years, the community has welcomed more tourists, but violence has not disappeared entirely. In February 2023, three tourists were stabbed after being told to stop filming in the area. In April 2024, a 24-year-old man from Delaware was killed and his body set on fire after an attack linked to a drug purchase, according to police.
To help Kevin’s family bring him home and cover funeral expenses, consider donating at tinyurl.com/KevinMares.
Courtesy PuertoRico.com
