Devil in the Desert: Control – A Comprehensive Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: 20/20
• Host: ABC News
• Episode: Devil in the Desert: Control
• Release Date: July 2, 2025

Overview: "Devil in the Desert: Control" delves into the intricate life story of Hussein Nayeri, tracing his transformation from a promising high school athlete to the mastermind behind a brutal kidnapping and other criminal activities. Hosted by Debra Roberts, this episode combines personal narratives, investigative reporting, and exclusive interviews to unravel the mysteries surrounding Nayeri's actions.

1. Early Life and High School Days

Introduction to Hussein Nayeri: In the early 1990s, Hussein Nayeri arrives in Fresno, California, as a quiet freshman at Clovis West High School. Emigrating from Iran, Hussein struggles with language barriers and social integration. However, under the mentorship of Brad Zimmer, the dedicated gym teacher and wrestling coach, Hussein begins to find his footing.

Brad Zimmer’s Perspective:

• “If your temper gets away from you, it can boil over and now you've lost control of the match...” [02:35]

Brad highlights Hussein's exceptional self-control on the wrestling mat, noting his ability to remain calm and strategic even during intense matches. This trait sets Hussein apart from his peers and earns him a spot on the varsity team by his senior year.

2. Post-High School: Military Service and Early Challenges

After graduating high school, Hussein forgoes college to enlist in the Marine Corps with a friend. His ambition leads him to apply for the prestigious Marine Corps Reconnaissance Unit. Although accepted, his military career is derailed by a severe surfing accident, resulting in facial fractures and hearing damage. Following the incident, Hussein goes AWOL, leading to a short stint in military jail and an eventual discharge.

Brad Zimmer Reflects:

• “The person Brad knew back then doesn't match with what he's heard about Hussein Nayeri since.” [03:06]

This pivotal moment marks the beginning of Hussein's tumultuous journey, as he returns to Fresno and starts dabbling in various ventures without a clear direction.

3. Involvement in the Marijuana Business

In 2003, seeking stability, Hussein partners with Ehsan Tusi and Kyle Handley to establish a marijuana growing and selling operation. Utilizing unconventional spaces like an old dance studio, Hussein demonstrates his knack for maintaining operations under the radar.

Jen Tindall’s Insight:

• “They were making a lot of money. I just remember them making a lot of money.” [11:48]

Jen, a friend and occasional collaborator, provides a glimpse into the lucrative yet illicit nature of their business. However, tensions begin to surface as rumors of Hussein's personal entanglements start to affect his professional relationships.

4. Complex Personal Relationships

Hussein maintains simultaneous relationships with two women: Courtney Shigerian and Jen Tindall. While Courtney, a younger and wealthy individual, is initially charmed by Hussein’s cultural similarities and charisma, Jen expresses growing concerns about his behavior and unfaithfulness.

Courtney Shigerian on Hussein:

• “He had this way of manipulating you into convincing you that this was normal...” [12:58]

Despite Jen confronting Hussein about his duplicity, her attempts to seek honesty lead to further complications, ultimately straining their relationship.

5. The 2005 Car Accident and Its Aftermath

On December 26, 2005, Hussein and Ehsan are involved in a severe car accident while driving a Chevy Silverado. The crash results in Ehsan's death and leaves Hussein with significant injuries, including third and fourth-degree burns and the amputation of some toes.

Jen Tindall’s Account:

• “After the accident was chaotic, emotional. Before that, it was more laughter.” [20:48]

The tragedy profoundly affects Hussein, leading to his marriage with Jen Tindall in a desperate bid to prevent deportation due to his vehicular manslaughter charges. However, Hussein's inability to confront conflict leads him to flee, leaving Jen to cope with the consequences.

6. Return to Criminal Activities and Further Descent

Hussein's return to the United States involves using forged documents to relocate to Washington state, where he resumes his marijuana operations. His relationship with Courtney intensifies, but so does his erratic behavior.

Courtney Shigerian’s Observation:

• “He was getting more somber and kind of scary and secretive and just intense, focused.” [31:32]

This period marks Hussein's deeper involvement in criminal activities, setting the stage for more severe offenses.

7. The Kidnapping and the Ultimate Flight

In September 2008, amidst escalating pressures from law enforcement, Hussein orchestrates the kidnapping of Mary Barnes and her roommate, Michael. The operation is meticulously planned, showcasing Hussein's evolution into a strategic and dangerous criminal.

Investigation Insights: Detective Ryan Peters connects the DNA found at the crime scene to Hussein's previous vehicular manslaughter case, uncovering the link between the two incidents. Despite extensive efforts, Hussein evades capture by fleeing to Iran once more.

8. The Investigation and Unraveling the Truth

Detective Peters intensifies the search for Hussein, leveraging the support network around him, particularly focusing on Courtney Shigerian. As pressure mounts, Courtney’s involvement becomes a critical point of investigation, revealing her potential complicity or knowledge of Hussein's crimes.

Courtney Shigerian on Investigation:

• “He had convinced me, and I believed at the time that he was the only one that cared about me...” [26:34]

Her statements and actions during questioning highlight the complex dynamics of loyalty, manipulation, and possible coercion within Hussein's inner circle.

9. Conclusion: The Aftermath and Legacy

Hussein Nayeri’s story is a stark illustration of how personal struggles, manipulative relationships, and unchecked ambition can culminate in catastrophic consequences. From a promising athlete to a fugitive mastermind, Hussein's descent leaves a trail of broken lives and unanswered questions, challenging listeners to ponder the depths of human behavior and the thin line between control and chaos.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Brad Zimmer on Self-Control in Wrestling:

  • “If your temper gets away from you, it can boil over and now you've lost control of the match...” [02:35]

• Courtney Shigerian on Hussein's Manipulation:

  • “He had this way of manipulating you into convincing you that this was normal...” [12:58]

• Jen Tindall on Post-Accident Changes:

  • “After the accident was chaotic, emotional. Before that, it was more laughter.” [20:48]

• Courtney Shigerian Reflecting on Marriage:

  • “He had convinced me, and I believed at the time that he was the only one that cared about me...” [26:34]

Final Thoughts: "Devil in the Desert: Control" intricately weaves personal testimonies with investigative insights, offering a comprehensive look into the life of Hussein Nayeri. The episode serves as a compelling narrative on the complexities of human nature, the impact of cultural and personal struggles, and the far-reaching effects of criminal actions.