N.Y. Man, 25, Who Had Plans to Propose to His Girlfriend, Was Shot and Killed While in Puerto Rico for a Bad Bunny Concert
A New York man, who was visiting Puerto Rico to see Bad Bunny in concert with a group of friends, was fatally shot on Sunday, Aug. 10
Police believe 25-year-old Kevin Mares was a bystander in the incident, as a fight broke out between two people standing nearby
"Kevin had a bright future ahead, with plans to propose to his girlfriend of six years this fall, and he was always creating memories with those closest to him," his family saidA New York man, who was visiting Puerto Rico to see Bad Bunny in concert with a group of friends, was shot and killed.
According to reports from the Associated Press and CBS News, 25-year-old Kevin Mares was in the coastal San Juan neighborhood of La Perla early on Sunday, Aug. 10, when a fight broke out between two other people.
Mares, who is believed to have been a bystander in the incident, was shot after one of the people arguing pulled out a gun.
He sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his abdomen and was rushed to Puerto Rico's largest public hospital, where he died, the outlets reported.
Homicide Detective Sgt. Arnaldo Ruiz told the AP that the person who pulled out a gun shot at least three people, including two men who live in the area. They were injured and remained hospitalized.
"We're still in the early stages of establishing a motive for the events. We can't rule anything out until the interviews are completed," Ruiz said, per El Nuevo Dia.
The sergeant also confirmed that Mares and his three friends, who were also from New York, were among thousands of people who had traveled to Puerto Rico for one of Bad Bunny's 30 residency concerts.
According to Ruiz, investigators are unsure of what the argument was about, and they do not yet have a description of the shooter.
"We have very little information," he said.
La Perla is located on the outskirts of the Old San Juan historic district, a popular tourist destination, according to AP. La Perla was previously known for its violence, and police were known to stay away from the community until 2011, the outlet reported, when federal agents raided the area. Tourists have visited the area more regularly since then.
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Bad Bunny's 30-night residency — titled No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí (I Don't Want to Leave Here) — is being held at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, located in San Juan's Hato Rey neighborhood.
The musician will perform every weekend from Friday to Sunday, before wrapping on Sept. 14.
Mares' family remembered the 25-year-old as a "deeply loved son, devoted friend" who was set to propose to his longtime girlfriend later this year.
"His wholehearted kindness, adventurous spirit, and unwavering commitment to family made him a pillar of strength for his loved ones," they wrote in a GoFundMe post, which has garnered more than $14,000 in donations to help transfer his body from Puerto Rico to New York and hold a funeral.
"Kevin had a bright future ahead, with plans to propose to his girlfriend of six years this fall, and he was always creating memories with those closest to him," the family added. "Family was at the center of everything he did, and his sudden passing has left an unfillable void in our lives."
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