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

Introducing "The Hand in the Window"

Now that "Devil in the Desert" has come to a close, we're sharing the first episode of our new series from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "The Hand in the Window." A 911 call becomes the first step in an investigation that would reveal sinister and shocking crimes. To catch new episodes early, follow "The Hand in the Window" for free on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ , ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ , ⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...

Nov 05, 2025•27 min

Bonus: The Third Man

This bonus episode of "Devil in the Desert" explores the perspective of the elusive third man involved in the crime of violent kidnapping and torture: Ryan Kevorkian. Matt Gutman and "Start Here" host Brad Mielke tell the story of the one person willing to share a first-hand account from the night of the crime, using never-before-heard police interview tape of Kevorkian himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Aug 29, 2025•22 min•Ep. 7

Catching Nayeri

Hossein Nayeri and two other fugitives are on the run. Would Nayeri ever face justice? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 22, 2025•51 min•Ep. 6

Getaway

The wife of Hossein Nayeri is the key to luring him back from Iran. But can investigators trust her? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 15, 2025•38 min•Ep. 5

The Witness

Following the discovery of surveillance equipment in Hossein Nayeri's car, detectives sought to question his wife, Courtney, suspecting her involvement. After an initial uncooperative interrogation, police strategically leveraged her family to encourage cooperation. Courtney eventually agreed to a proffer agreement, revealing the motive behind the kidnapping—a failed marijuana deal and Nayeri's belief in hidden money—and identifying the three perpetrators, including a mysterious third man. Her testimony also provided disturbing details about Michael's torture and Nayeri's cruel intentions. Ultimately, Courtney became a secret informant, risking her life to help lure Nayeri out of hiding and bring him to justice.

Jul 08, 2025•36 min•Ep. 4

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•38 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•27 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•38 min•Ep. 1

Introducing "Devil in the Desert"

This episode introduces the chilling 2012 crime where a woman was found bound in the Mojave Desert, leading authorities to a grisly scene. It details the brutal kidnapping and torture of a dispensary owner, marking the beginning of a decade-long international manhunt. The focus is on the cunning perpetrator, Hossein Nayeri, and the shocking events that followed.

Jun 02, 2025•2 min

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