DEA agent whose glamorous wife Niko Honarbakhsh was killed by stray bullet in Tulum says she moved to Mexico to escape violent crime of LA

The DEA agent whose glamorous wife was shot dead in Tulum says that the couple felt safer in Mexico than their hometown Los Angeles - and that they moved there to escape crime. 

Niko Honarbakhsh, 44, was shot by a stray bullet when she was caught in the crossfire of a drug cartel dispute at the Mia Beach Club on February 9. 

The influencer was living in Cancun but originally from Los Angeles, California, splitting her time between her Beverly Hills home and her condominium abroad over the last five years. 

But after her murder, Karl Perman, a former DEA agent and her husband of nearly 15 years revealed that Honarbakhsh had begun to feel unsafe in LA, much due to the rising levels of crime and homelessness.

He said that his wife felt especially scared whenever he would travel for his current work in the private energy sector.

The couple then decided it was best for them to move Cancun, believing it may be safer. 

Niko Honarbakhsh, 44, was reportedly shot by a stray bullet when she was caught in the crossfire of a drug cartel dispute at the Mia Beach Club on February 9 

But after her unfortunate murder, Karl Perman, a former DEA agent and her husband of nearly 15 years revealed that Honarbakhsh had begun to feel unsafe in LA, much due to the rising levels of crime and homelessness 

He said that Honarbakhsh felt especially scared whenever he would travel for his current work in the private energy sector 

The heartbroken husband told Fox News Digital: 'We were aware of the State Department advisory and we were aware of, you know, reportings of crime in this area. But honestly, our opinion was – take a look at Los Angeles. 

'So, actually, I feel many times, depending upon the neighborhood, safer in Cancun than I do in Los Angeles.

'I mean, Beverly Hills, different story, but most of the time I spend outside of Beverly Hills. So, I can tell you that, I feel safer. And she did as well. 

'We were aware of the crime. But again, I think if you look at the statistics, probably any major metropolitan area in the U.S. would have probably a bigger crime index than Cancun itself.' 

The State Department's travel advisory issued last year for the state of Quintana Roo — where the beach club where Honarbakhsh was shot dead is located — urged visitors to 'exercise increased caution due to crime'. 

The heartbroken husband said: 'So, actually, I feel many times, depending upon the neighborhood, safer in Cancun than I do in Los Angeles'

Honarbakhsh, 44, of Beverly Hills, California, is seen in photos from her Instagram page 

The State Department's travel advisory issued last year for the state of Quintana Roo — where the beach club where Honarbakhsh was shot dead is located — urged visitors to 'exercise increased caution due to crime' 

Perman also told the channel that his now-dead wife had once terrifyingly called him while being chased by a knife-wielding man as walking their dogs, Coco and Skylar on the University of California at Los Angeles campus while he was out of town.

Based on his advice, Honarbakhsh quickly called 911, pounded on the law library doors for students to let her inside and also called UCLA campus police. 

Talking about how she was completely petrified of living in LA, Perman said: 'I'm from the Midwest, so I tend to be a little bit more, traditional, if you would, where she's from Los Angeles. So she was the creative one in the in the family. 

'But, from her speaking, from what, you know, we talked about it. Definitely. That was one of her concerns. 

'She was concerned about her safety. She had, just recently, she was walking the dogs, actually, on the campus of UCLA and was chased by a person with a knife.'

Perman also told the channel that his now-dead wife had once terrifyingly called him while being chased by a knife-wielding man as walking their dogs, Coco and Skylar on the University of California at Los Angeles campus while he was out of town 

Talking about how she was completely petrified of living in LA, Perman said: 'I'm from the Midwest, so I tend to be a little bit more, traditional, if you would, where she's from Los Angeles. So she was the creative one in the in the family' 

Prosecutors have stressed that the Honarbakhsh had no connection to the dispute that happened at the beach club

After her death, the US Embassy & Consulates in Mexico issued a new travel warning for American tourists who will be traveling to the vacation hotspots for spring break - asking them to exercise 'increased caution'. 

The message, posted on Monday said: 'Travel Smart – Be Informed: Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break.' 

It added that 'while the vast majority travel safely,' tourists should still consider the list of specific advisories including, crime, drugs, pharmaceuticals, drownings, and more. 

'U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark,' the message said. 

The warning also mentioned the potential hazards of drugs, pharmaceuticals and unregulated alcohol.

It specified that drug possession of any kind, including medical marijuana is illegal in Mexico. If caught with prohibited drugs, it could result in a long jail sentence in the country. 

Unregulated alcohol is also prohibited and is warned to possibly be 'contaminated' and 'U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.' 

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico issued a travel warning for tourists traveling to country for spring break 

It added that 'while the vast majority travel safely,' tourists should still consider the list of specific advisories including, crime, drugs, pharmaceuticals, drownings, and more

The warning described pharmaceuticals as 'counterfeit medication' that is 'common,' but 'may prove to be ineffective' due to its strength and ingredients.

'Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments,' it added. 

The message also noted sexual assault and said that 'U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault.' 

It specifically said that 'perpetrators' might target those who are intoxicated or isolated, or that they could 'employ drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.' 

The advisory also warned of drownings, noting that some beaches in the popular tourist areas tend to experience 'strong undercurrents and rip tides.' 

It added that lifeguards, signs and general warning are not always posted at every beach for tourists to turn to in an emergency. 

If medical attention is needed, the warning noted that private hospital rates are higher compared to those in the US.

The advisory also touched on the topics of arrests, guns and ammunition and immigration. 

All guns and ammunition are considered illegal in the country, even it if it is a small amount of ammunition.

If found with guns or ammunition, it could result in 'lengthy jail time,' it said. 

Arrests can be made for 'drunk and disorderly behavior' as well as open alcohol containers in vehicles and public urination. 

In terms of immigration, the warning said: 'Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in steep fines and detention.' 

The warning then listed actions that can be taken to help prevent travelers from having a bad spring break experience. 

Some of the tips were to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get live updates about safety conditions, drinking responsibly, monitor your bank cards, and keeping family and friends at home aware of your travel plans, among others.