A Queens family is mourning the death of Kevin Mares, who was fatally struck by a stray bullet in La Perla, Puerto Rico. The 25-year-old had gone to a nightclub in the area with friends after attending a concert by artist Bad Bunny. La Perla is an area that has been documented for its history of crime, as per report by CBS News New York.
Mares's death occurred amidst an altercation that broke out across the street from where he was standing. "Some guy, he had a gun, took it out and start shooting," his father, Hector Mares, recounted in a statement to CBS News New York. The shooting left two other La Perla residents wounded and, as of now, the assailant remains at large.
Mares' girlfriend, Angy Nicole Arguello, expressed her grief through social media postings. "I love you, my angel," she wrote in an Instagram story obtained by the New York Post. The posts came after what had initially been positive updates from their vacation. The couple had been in a relationship for six years, and Mares had planned to propose to Arguello in the fall.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help cover the expenses of returning Mares' body to New York City. He is described as "a deeply loved son, devoted friend, and a source of inspiration." The investigation into the shooting in Puerto Rico is ongoing, with limited developments reported. "We have very little information," Detective Sgt. Arnaldo Ruiz of the San Juan police told NBC 6, as cited by the New York Post.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, calling the incident a tragic loss, "condolences and prayers are with all of Kevin's loved ones grieving this unimaginable loss," he said in a message posted on social media. Meanwhile, Mares' family is requesting that anyone with information come forward as they continue efforts to bring his body back to Queens and make funeral arrangements, CBS News New York reported.
