In the early hours of Sunday, August 10, 2025, tragedy struck the vibrant streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Kevin Mares, a 25-year-old animal lover and aspiring veterinarian from Queens, New York, was fatally shot while visiting the island for Bad Bunny’s much-anticipated “No me quiero ir de aquí” concert residency. The event, expected to draw half a million visitors, had transformed Puerto Rico into a buzzing hub of music, excitement, and, for many, a temporary escape. But for Mares, what began as a weekend of celebration ended in heartbreak, leaving a family and community reeling.
According to WABC, Mares was in Puerto Rico with his girlfriend and friends, hoping to enjoy the sold-out 30-concert series by the global reggaeton superstar. The night before the incident, he posted videos of a sun-drenched beach and a lively pool party at his hotel, capturing the carefree spirit that had drawn so many to the island. However, as the night wore on, Mares and a small group—including his girlfriend’s brother and another friend—decided to venture into La Perla, a neighborhood perched on the edge of Old San Juan’s iconic sea wall.
La Perla, while known for its colorful murals and ocean views, has long struggled with a reputation for violence and drug trafficking. Once, a sign even warned visitors to steer clear. Despite efforts by locals to reshape its image, the area remains a place where tensions can run high, especially in the early morning hours.
It was around 4 a.m. when a heated argument broke out across the street from where Mares and his friends were walking. According to San Juan Homicide Division investigator Eric Ortiz Rodriguez, the dispute escalated quickly. Kalel Jorell Martinez Bristol, a 37-year-old local man with a criminal record and no license to carry a firearm, drew a gun and began firing. Two local residents were wounded. Mares, who had no connection to the altercation, was struck in the abdomen by a stray bullet.
“They were walking, and then across the street, it was like a bunch of people, arguing and they start fighting each other. So one of them, they took out a gun. So he starts shooting, like random,” Mares’ mother, Sandra Mares, told Eyewitness News. The randomness of the violence only deepened the family’s grief. “My son was across the street and he got shot in the abdomen,” added his father, Hector Mares.
As reports of the shooting spread, authorities moved swiftly. On Friday, August 15, Martinez Bristol turned himself in to police, according to the Associated Press. The Puerto Rican Department of Justice charged him with first-degree murder, and he is now being held on an $800,000 bond. “This death will not go unanswered,” Puerto Rico’s Secretary of Justice declared. The Justice Department has promised that Martinez Bristol will face “the full weight of the law.”
Mares’ death has cast a long shadow over what was supposed to be a joyous cultural event. For his family back in Queens, the loss is almost impossible to comprehend. Kevin was born and raised in New York, the son of Mexican immigrants, and had one younger brother. He was studying at LaGuardia Community College, working as a veterinary technician, and dreaming of one day opening his own clinic. “He got a lot of dreams. He was working as a vet technician. And at the same time he was studying,” his father shared with WABC.
Kevin’s love for animals was well known. He doted on his dog, Jessie, and often spoke about his desire to help creatures great and small. But his ambitions didn’t stop there. He was also planning a future with his longtime girlfriend, who accompanied him to Puerto Rico. “He was about to propose to her, this fall. Yeah. He wants to do something special. He shared that with us,” his mother revealed. The couple’s plans were cut short in the most senseless way, and the devastation for those closest to him is profound. “She says she cannot handle this,” Sandra Mares said of Kevin’s girlfriend, who had stayed at the hotel that night while Kevin and his friends ventured out.
For Kevin’s parents, the pain is compounded by the knowledge that they had cautioned him about exploring unfamiliar neighborhoods. “We told him just stay in the hotel,” his father recalled. “But they’re young. When you’re young, sometimes you don’t think,” his mother added, a sentiment that resonates with parents everywhere. The Mares family’s heartbreak is shared by a wider circle of friends and relatives, many of whom will gather this weekend to mourn and remember Kevin. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled at Queens of Angels RC Church, with a wake to be held at Frederick Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
As the investigation continues, the case has reignited conversations about safety in Puerto Rico’s tourist hotspots—especially during major events that draw large crowds. La Perla’s efforts to rebrand itself as a destination for art and culture have been hampered by persistent violence, and the shooting has raised questions about what more can be done to protect both residents and visitors. While officials have pledged justice, the reality is that the scars left by such an incident are not easily healed.
Kevin’s story is a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the ripple effects of violence. He was, by all accounts, a young man on the verge of great things—devoted to his family, passionate about his work, and eager to build a future with the woman he loved. “He was a lovely son. He cared. He cared about all of us, his family, friends. He has a lot of friends who are really going to miss him, too,” his mother said, her words echoing the sentiments of a community now left to grieve.
As Puerto Rico prepares for the remainder of Bad Bunny’s historic concert series, there is hope that the tragedy will serve as a catalyst for renewed focus on public safety and community healing. For the Mares family, and for all who knew Kevin, the coming days will be filled with sorrow and remembrance—but also with the enduring memory of a life lived with purpose and love.
