Devil in the Desert

In 2012, a woman was found with her hands bound in the Mojave Desert. She led authorities to a grisly crime scene where a barbaric attack had taken place. This moment marked the beginning of an international manhunt and a sting operation that turned a once-devoted wife into an informant. Authorities zeroed in on the so-called mastermind behind the attack: Hossein Nayeri, a charming man who had ties to the emerging medical marijuana industry in California. Told with police tapes, secretly recorded informant calls and footage of a prison break, “Devil in the Desert" unravels a crime so brutal that it still haunts investigators today.

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Episodes

Control

Explore the journey of Hussein Nayeri, from a disciplined high school wrestler to a prime suspect in a brutal crime. This episode delves into his background, complex relationships with women like Courtney and Jen, legal troubles stemming from a fatal accident, and escalating erratic behavior that foreshadowed the horrific events leading to the kidnapping investigation.

Jul 01, 2025•43 min•Ep. 3

A Neon Sign For Crime

Following a neighbor's crucial tip about a white truck seen before the kidnapping, investigators trace the vehicle to Kyle Hanley. This episode delves into Hanley's connection to Michael through the burgeoning, unregulated medical marijuana industry and explores why a large sum of money was demanded. A search of Kyle's home reveals significant evidence linking him to the attack, including bleach, blood, and zip ties matching the crime scene. While Kyle is arrested, police believe he was not the sole perpetrator, leading them to seek the other men involved, which results in a major DNA breakthrough.

Jun 24, 2025•32 min•Ep. 2

Cat and Mouse

In October 2012, a police sergeant discovers a barefoot, zip-tied woman in the Mojave Desert, leading him to a brutally tortured man. This episode recounts the horrific crime, from the victims' kidnapping in Newport Beach and their ordeal in the van, to the extreme sadism in the desert. It also details the initial challenges faced by investigators as they begin a decade-long search for the perpetrators.

Jun 17, 2025•43 min•Ep. 1

Introducing "Devil in the Desert"

Jun 02, 2025•2 min

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