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Devil in the Desert

Devil in the Desert

ABC News

True Crime, News

4.6625 Ratings

Overview

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.

13 Episodes

Introducing "Blood and Water"

Today, we're sharing something a little different. This is the first episode of the latest true crime podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Blood and Water." A woman fails to show up to work. When investigators are called to her home, they find a gruesome crime scene. To hear the rest of the series, follow "Blood and Water" on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠⁠⁠, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2026

We're Nominated for a Webby Award!

Devil in the Desert has been nominated for a Webby Award! And you can be part of the outcome. Voting closes this week, so make your voice heard today. Check out all the nominees and help decide the best of the internet ⁠here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2026

Introducing "Bridge of Lies"

Today, we're sharing something a little different. This is the first episode of the latest true crime podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Bridge of Lies," hosted by Juju Chang. In episode one of "Bridge of Lies," a call about an abandoned car on a bridge in New Jersey touches off a search for a missing person. The driver of the car is 19-year-old Sarah Stern, an aspiring artist. Authorities try to piece together what happened in the hours before she disappeared. To hear the rest of the series, follow "Bridge of Lies" on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Amazon Music⁠, or wherever you listen to podcasts. WARNING: This program includes discussions of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide -- free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2026

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2025

Introducing "Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska"

Now that "Devil in the Desert" has come to a close, we're sharing the first episode of our latest series from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska." A welfare check leads to the discovery of a body — and some strange clues. To hear the whole six-episode series, follow "Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska" for free on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

The Witness

What does Hossein Nayeri’s wife know about his involvement in the horrific crime against Mary Barnes and Michael?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

Control

How did a former high school wrestling star from Fresno become the main suspect in a brutal crime? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

A Neon Sign For Crime

A neighbor who sees something odd outside her window leads investigators to their first clue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Cat and Mouse

In October 2012, a man is found brutally tortured in the Mojave Desert — setting off a decade-long chase to bring the perpetrators to justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Introducing "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. "Devil in the Desert" is a six-part series from 20/20 and ABC Audio. Follow the show for weekly episodes on Tuesdays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

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