What was supposed to be a dream weekend turned into a devastating nightmare for the family of Kevin Mares — a 25-year-old veterinary student from Queens, New York — after he was gunned down in Puerto Rico just hours after attending a sold-out Bad Bunny concert.
A Trip Months in the Making
Kevin’s parents say the trip had been planned for months. He flew to Puerto Rico with his girlfriend and two friends, eager to experience the Ultimate Bad Bunny Weekend.
“Every time Bad Bunny comes here, they go to almost all his concerts,” his mother, Sandra Mares, told reporters.
On Saturday night, Kevin finally got to see the Puerto Rican superstar perform live — a bucket-list moment for the devoted fan. After the show, the group headed to a nightclub in Old San Juan.
Gunfire in La Perla
The night took a tragic turn in La Perla, a seaside neighborhood famous for its colorful buildings but also long plagued by poverty and violent crime.
Kevin’s father, Hector Mares, says the group was walking away from the venue when chaos erupted.
“Across the street, there was a crowd,” Hector recalled. “They started arguing. One guy pulled out a gun and began shooting.”
Police say three people were struck by bullets in the early Sunday morning incident. Kevin, believed to be an innocent bystander, was shot in the stomach. He was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.
The two other victims, both local residents of La Perla, remain hospitalized.
No Arrests, Few Answers
Puerto Rican authorities have not yet identified any suspects, and no arrests have been made. Kevin’s family is pleading for anyone who saw what happened to come forward.
“We want justice,” Sandra said. “The gunman took a piece of us.”
Remembering Kevin Mares
Kevin grew up in East Elmhurst, Queens, living with his parents and 15-year-old brother. He worked two part-time jobs while studying veterinary medicine — a career he pursued out of love for animals.
Friends describe him as:
- A gifted cook who loved hosting friends for dinner
- A karaoke regular with an infectious laugh
- A loyal fan of Bad Bunny’s music and Puerto Rican culture
His mother still struggles to process the news, recounting the moment she found out.
“His girlfriend called me and said, ‘I’m sorry. We lost him.’”
Condolences From City Leaders
New York City Mayor Eric Adams called the killing “a tragic loss to gun violence” and offered condolences to the Mares family.
Meanwhile, Puerto Rican officials have pledged to investigate the shooting, though no timeline has been given for updates.
The Pain Behind the Music
The family is now working with Puerto Rican authorities to bring Kevin’s body back to New York for burial. For them, the music that brought Kevin to the island is now forever tied to the violence that took him away.
“He was so excited for this trip,” Sandra said. “Now we’re just trying to bring him home.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Puerto Rican police.
What do you think — will justice be served in Kevin Mares’ case? Share your thoughts and stay tuned to TPR for breaking updates.
