20/20 Podcast Summary: "Devil in the Desert: The Witness"
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host: ABC News (Debra Roberts)
Introduction
"Devil in the Desert: The Witness" delves deep into a chilling true crime mystery surrounding the kidnapping and torture of Michael and Mary Barnes. Hosted by ABC News' Debra Roberts, this episode meticulously unpacks the investigation led by Detective Ryan Peters, revealing a web of surveillance, deceit, and the quest for justice.
The Initial Lead: The Chevy Tahoe
In January 2013, Detective Ryan Peters was on the trail of Michael Barnes' kidnapping case. A pivotal moment came when he revisited an earlier high-speed chase involving a Chevy Tahoe.
- Detective Ryan Peters [02:00]: “I don't want to ignore anything and I want to fully invest all my time into every possible lead.”
The Tahoe, previously involved in a September 2012 chase in Newport Beach, was discovered abandoned on Balboa Island. Registered to Courtney Shigerian, the vehicle held the key to advancing the investigation.
Detective Peters' Insight and Discovery
Upon securing a search warrant, Detective Peters examined the impounded Tahoe, uncovering items that would shift the investigation's direction.
- Detective Ryan Peters [02:30]: “I pull out this little box. Looking at it, I'm like, what is this thing?”
Inside, Peters found micro mini cameras and a GPS tracker, revealing that Michael Barnes had been under constant surveillance for months. Additionally, Hussein Nayeri's cell phone was discovered, containing orders for surveillance equipment.
- Detective Ryan Peters [05:04]: “Like Hossein Nayeri, whose DNA is on a glove in Kyle Hanley's truck, also has cameras linking him to watching Michael's truck. You can't refute that. So for me, this is huge.”
This evidence directly connected Nayeri to the crime, raising suspicions about his involvement and that of his wife, Courtney.
Courtney Shigerian's Connection
The plot thickened as investigators probed Courtney Shigerian’s role. Initially uncooperative, Courtney eventually became a person of interest after her DNA was linked to the crime scene.
- Matt Murphy [06:07]: “You start to wonder, is this woman totally innocent?”
Detective Peters orchestrated a strategic encounter to extract a confession from Courtney, leading to a tense interrogation marked by strategic questioning and psychological maneuvering.
The Police's Strategy and Interrogation
On April 9, 2013, Courtney was invited to the Newport Beach Police Department under the guise of retrieving her possessions from the Tahoe. This meeting was a calculated trap designed to implicate her further.
- Courtney Shigerian [08:00]: “I'm just here to pick a property.”
Despite her initial composure, Courtney's demeanor shifted as the interrogation intensified, revealing cracks in her facade.
- Detective Ryan Peters [09:02]: “No hesitation, no emotional response, no physical response to it.”
The Proffer Interview and Breakthrough
With her family's intervention and legal counsel, Courtney agreed to a proffer interview—a pivotal moment in the investigation. During this three-hour session, Courtney provided critical insights:
- Courtney Shigerian [24:51]: “Can you tell me who's involved in the kidnapping?”
- Hussein Nayeri [24:56]: “Hussein Nayari. Kyle Hanley. And their third person.”
This confession identified the primary perpetrators and introduced Ryan Kevorkian as the elusive third accomplice. Courtney also detailed the motive behind the kidnapping: a failed attempt to locate and steal a purported buried million dollars in the Mojave Desert.
Final Evidence and Arrest
Investigators acted swiftly on Courtney's information, locating Ryan Kevorkian in Lancaster. A meticulous surveillance operation led to the recovery of Kevorkian's DNA from a towel at a 24 Hour Fitness gym, matching evidence from the crime scene.
- Detective Ryan Peters [34:31]: “Courtney was right. They had found their third man.”
Kevorkian's arrest solidified the case against the trio, bringing the investigation closer to closure.
Investigation's Conclusion and Next Steps
Building on Courtney's cooperation, the Newport Police Department strategized to apprehend Hussein Nayeri, who had fled to Iran. By leveraging Courtney as a secret informant, the team aimed to lure Nayeri out of hiding and secure his capture.
- Matt Murphy [35:20]: “Let's give her a chance to redeem herself. By luring Hussein Nayiri out of Iran.”
Courtney's pivotal role not only advanced the investigation but also marked the beginning of her personal redemption, as she sought to distance herself from Nayeri and rebuild her life.
Conclusion
"Devil in the Desert: The Witness" offers an intricate look into the complexities of criminal investigations, highlighting the interplay between meticulous detective work, strategic interrogations, and the human elements that influence justice. Through detailed storytelling and compelling interviews, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how the truth was uncovered in this harrowing case.
Notable Quotes:
- Detective Ryan Peters [03:16]: “I'm at my desk, and I remember opening it, and the first image that pops up is Michael's house.”
- Courtney Shigerian [12:04]: “Can my attorney please be present?”
- Heather Brown [30:01]: “You can admit to a lot of things, but, like, making poison burger patties for someone's dog is sure to get you on America's top 10 I hate you list.”
Transcript segments with timestamps have been selectively included to emphasize key moments in the investigation.