SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A tourist from the U.S. was shot and killed early Sunday in La Perla, a well-known seaside community in Puerto Rico, while attending a Bad Bunny concert, authorities said.
The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Kevin Marless, a resident of New York.
The shooting happened at a venue known as “Shellter for Mass Treated Men” in La Perla, an area that has long struggled with a negative reputation.
Detective Sgt. Arnardo Lewis mentioned in a phone interview that the incident occurred during a discussion among several individuals. One person produced a firearm and opened fire, injuring a total of three people, including Marless. Two local men were also hurt and remain hospitalized.
Lewis stated that Marless was merely an innocent bystander. He was in Puerto Rico with three friends for one of Bad Bunny’s 30 concerts.
Marless sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the left side of his abdomen and was transported to Puerto Rico’s largest public hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The detective noted that details surrounding the conversation leading to the shooting are still unclear. “There’s limited information,” he expressed.
According to Lewis, Marless’s friends are also from New York but, unfortunately, they don’t have a place to stay in Puerto Rico.
La Perla is adjacent to Old San Juan, a historic area that attracts many tourists. Once a notorious location for drug distribution, La Perla has a complex history involving violence and crime.
In the past, police often hesitated to enter the area due to signs urging visitors to stay away.
However, the situation improved in 2011 when federal agents conducted operations that led to the arrest of numerous individuals, including notable community figures who faced convictions.
In the years that followed, the neighborhood became more welcoming, particularly after Puerto Rican artists like Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee showcased it in the hit song “Despacito.”
Nevertheless, isolated violent incidents continue to occur. In February 2023, for example, three tourists were stabbed after allegedly being told to stop filming in the area. Earlier, in April 2024, a 24-year-old tourist from Delaware was killed after being attacked following a drug purchase.
This year, Puerto Rico has reported 277 murders, slightly fewer than the 325 in the same timeframe last year.
