Puerto Rico police charge a suspect in the recent killing of a US tourist
Kalel Jorell Martínez Bristol faces charges including first-degree murder, according to a statement from Puerto Rico's Justice Department.
Police have said the 25-year-old victim, Kevin Mares of New York, was an innocent bystander when he was struck by a bullet early Sunday while at a nightspot with friends in the seaside community of La Perla.
Authorities accused Martínez of pulling out a gun and firing it while arguing with people near Mares. Two people, a brother and a sister who live in La Perla, were injured.
Defense attorney Pedro Rivera told reporters that he was 'very surprised' authorities didn't file attempted murder charges, saying that casts doubt over the entire case.
Martínez Bristol is being held on an $800,000 bond.
The community of La Perla is located on the outskirts of Old San Juan and once served as Puerto Rico's biggest distribution point for heroin. It became popular with tourists after Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featured the community in their hit, 'Despacito.'
In February 2023, three tourists were stabbed after police said a person told them to stop filming inside the community.
Then in April 2024, a 24-year-old tourist from Delaware was killed and his body set on fire after police said he and a friend were attacked following a drug purchase. Police said the victims were trying to take pictures of La Perla after being warned not to do so.
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A wake was held Saturday for 25-year-old Kevin Mares, a Queens man who was killed while on vacation in Puerto Rico last weekend. Mares, his girlfriend and two others were on the island for a Bad Bunny concert, then they went to a nightclub in the seaside community of La Perla, known for drugs and violence. Police said early Sunday morning, there was an argument outside the club, and a man pulled out a gun and started firing. Two others were shot, and a stray bullet hit Mares in the stomach. He died from his injuries. Kalel Jorell Martinez Bristol, 37, turned himself in on Friday, according to police. He faces first-degree murder charges and is being held on $800,000 bond. Friends and family poured into Frederick Funeral Home on Saturday to remember Mares. "We are all devastated. It's a big tragedy for all of us, big loss. He was starting his life, 25 years old," said Angel Mares, Kevin Mares' god father. "It's very sad that people, some people come to this world to hurt others. He doesn't even imagine what he has caused to our family," mourner Lilian Saenz-Mares said. Family members are waiting for justice. "We just hope that God forgives him. We will forgive him as well because everyone deserves forgiveness," Saenz-Mares said. Kevin Mares is described as kind-hearted and loyal. He loved cooking, growing vegetables and had a passion for animals. He was studying to be a veterinarian. His neighbor's last memory of him was from a month ago. "He just rescued a kitten where he works, and they were giving him milk," neighbor Alexandria Jaramillo said. As loved ones continue to grieve, we're told he had been thinking about the future with his girlfriend. "He was planning to propose [to] her this fall," Saenz-Mares said. Kevin Mares leaves behind his parents, a 15-year-old brother, and countless friends and family. Another visitation will be held at Frederick Funeral Home on Sunday evening, followed by a Mass on Monday before he is cremated.
