Suspect Arrested in Killing of Florida Tourist in Old San Juan

Authorities have charged Aniel Cedeño Gutiérrez with murder in the December shooting death of Nathan Joel Castro, a 40-year-old visitor from Florida, outside a bar on Calle Del Mercado in Old San Juan.

Suspect Arrested in Killing of Florida Tourist in Old San Juan

Authorities in Puerto Rico have filed murder charges against a man accused of gunning down a tourist from Florida during a late-night confrontation in Old San Juan.

Aniel Cedeño Gutiérrez was arrested and charged this Thursday in connection with the death of Nathan Joel Castro, 40, according to Telemundo Puerto Rico. Prosecutors set his bond at $1 million. The fatal shooting occurred on December 30, 2025, on Calle Del Mercado, in front of Teatro 15.

The incident began around 12:41 a.m. inside Monostereo, a bar on Calle San Sebastián, where a fight broke out among several people. The dispute spilled into the street, and investigators allege Cedeño Gutiérrez opened fire, striking and killing Castro, who resided in Florida.

Cedeño Gutiérrez faces counts of murder, discharging a firearm in a public place, aiming or firing a weapon, and illegal possession of a firearm. He has no prior criminal record but was identified through photographs shown in two police lineups. He had been summoned to appear for the lineups but failed to show up; officers later tracked him down and took him into custody.

The Institute of Forensic Sciences confirmed the victim's identity with help from his companion, who took part in the identification process.

Earlier reports indicated that five people — three women, two of them minors, and two men — were detained in connection with the incident and that a vehicle was seized. However, Cedeño Gutiérrez was not among that group.

The Homicide Division of the San Juan Criminal Investigation Corps is handling the case alongside the on-duty prosecutor. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for February 4.

Source: Google News PR — San Juan