American woman fatally shot in Tulum, Mexico in apparent drug deal gone bad

An American woman was tragically killed in the crossfire of a suspected drug deal gone wrong in the popular Mexican beach resort town of Tulum.

The incident, which occurred on February 9, 2024, resulted in the deaths of the alleged drug dealer from Belize and the 44-year-old Los Angeles native, Niko Honarbakhsh.

American woman killed in crossfire

The Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office has initiated an investigation into the matter. According to reports, the deceased man was found in possession of cocaine, red and orange pills, and brown granulated powder, leading authorities to conclude that he was likely involved in drug trafficking.

Although local reports suggested a connection between the two individuals, the prosecutor’s office denied these claims. Prosecutors maintain that Honarbakhsh was killed by a stray bullet and have launched a pursuit to identify and apprehend the suspects.

Previous incidents and warnings

The Tulum area has experienced similar incidents in recent years, including the deaths of tourists caught in gang-related violence.

The U.S. issued travel warnings for parts of Mexico last year, citing gang violence and health risks associated with substance use.

The tragic events in Tulum serve as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by criminal activity in popular tourist destinations.