Devil in the Desert — Bonus Episode: The Third Man (August 29, 2025)

Podcast: Devil in the Desert
Host: ABC News — Brad Milke with guest Matt Gutman
Episode: Bonus: The Third Man
Theme: A deep dive into the lesser-known third perpetrator, Ryan Kevorkian, and his unique perspective on the crime that shocked Southern California.

Episode Overview

This bonus episode explores untold details about the infamous Mojave Desert kidnapping and mutilation case that have not been covered in the main series. Host Brad Milke interviews investigative journalist and podcast host Matt Gutman, who brings fresh material from police interviews, particularly a revealing 2017 “proffer” session with Ryan Kevorkian — the so-called “third man” in the crime. The episode provides previously unheard testimony from Kevorkian about his history with Hossein Nayeri (the crime’s mastermind), the chilling events of the attack, and what led Kevorkian to cooperate with authorities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background on the Attack and Key Figures

• Main Perpetrators: Hossein Nayeri (mastermind, former high school wrestler), Kyle Handley (received similar sentence as Nayeri), and Ryan Kevorkian (the subject of this bonus).
• The crime targeted Michael, a dispensary owner rumored (falsely) to have $1 million hidden in the desert; he was brutally tortured, including the loss of his penis.
• Nayeri’s charisma and influence repeatedly drew acquaintances back into his orbit, even against their better judgment.
  • Matt Gutman: “The thing with Nayeri is that he gets these people back in his orbit. And even though every fiber in their being screams don't do it, they do it.” [06:36]

2. Ryan Kevorkian’s Connection and Perspective

• Kevorkian’s History: He and Nayeri wrestled together and joined the Marines around the same time. Their friendship was volatile, with a physical fight severing ties until Nayeri resurfaced in 2012 seeking Kevorkian’s help with a “hit.”

  • Ryan Kevorkian: “He says, so you look like crap. And I'm like, well, thanks. Good seeing you too. After all these years, what do you want?... He’s like, I need your help. I said, what's going on? He says, I have a little hit I want to do in Newport area.” [05:39]

• Initial Agreement: Kevorkian was offered $1,000 and a potential cut, supposedly just to serve as “muscle.”

  • Ryan Kevorkian: “He said, if anything, worst case scenario, you get a thousand no matter what. If there’s more money…then I’ll give you more.” [07:05]

• Kevorkian initially expected a quick home invasion and was surprised by Nayeri’s elaborate preparations—including unlocking access to the targeted house and extensive surveillance.

3. Account of the Crime from Kevorkian’s Unheard Police Proffer

• Detailed Planning and Surprises: Nayeri’s backpack contained guns, zip ties, food, water, and masks—signaling a much longer and more violent operation than Kevorkian anticipated.

  • Ryan Kevorkian: “I asked him what zip ties. I asked him, what's that?…He said, well, just in case it's not here…I said, what's not here? He said, the money.” [14:13]

• Kevorkian’s Regret & Reluctance: He expressed discomfort, especially upon learning a woman (Mary Barnes, the other victim) was in the house.

  • Ryan Kevorkian: “I said, I want a part of it and stuff. Then he starts getting kind of mad, calling me worthless...I said, you should have told me this from the get go...” [16:12]
  • He claimed to whisper to Mary, “Don’t worry. This is not about you.” [17:37]

• Grisly Details: Kevorkian described Nayeri as impulsively escalating the violence, specifically ordering the mutilation of Michael.

  • Ryan Kevorkian: “But Hussein goes and tells Kyle, you're gonna cut his thing off…It just...came out of the blue.” [18:56]

• Aftermath: Following the crime, the perpetrators casually went for sandwiches at Subway—showcasing a chilling nonchalance.

  • Ryan Kevorkian: “Hussein and Kyle, they left me in the van at a Subway. We ate kind of close to where the house was at…” [19:56]

• Ongoing Fear: Kevorkian expressed continued fear of Nayeri's reach, worried for his own and his family’s safety even after the arrests.

  • Ryan Kevorkian: “This guy’s very...and you guys know that...dangerous dude. Do not put anything above this guy.” [20:55]

4. Legal Outcomes and Reflections

• Kevorkian's Sentence: By cooperating and taking a plea deal (kidnapping, burglary, assault), Kevorkian received 12 years and 4 months, far less than his co-defendants, who are serving life sentences.

  • Matt Gutman: “Those other two guys pleaded not guilty. When you fight it and then you lose, typically sentences are longer.” [21:30]

• Lingering Uncertainty: Nayeri is still appealing his conviction based on various grounds; the case continues to haunt all involved.

  • Matt Gutman: “With most cases like this, Brad, it's never quite over…this is the kind of case that I think sits with people for a long time.” [22:09]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Nayeri’s Influence:
  Matt Gutman — “The thing with Nayeri is that he gets these people back in his orbit. And even though every fiber in their being screams don't do it, they do it.” [06:36]

• On Regret at the Crime Scene:
  Ryan Kevorkian — “I remember telling her, this has nothing to do with you. I'm sorry. I felt horrible, to be honest with you. I really have. I'm not BS with you guys. I felt horrible.” [17:37]

• On Sudden Escalation:
  Ryan Kevorkian — “But Hussein goes and tells Kyle, you’re gonna cut his thing off...It just...came out of the blue.” [19:03]

• Fear of Retaliation:
  Ryan Kevorkian — “I'm worried about him. No, it's my family. He knows where my family’s at…This guy's very...dangerous dude. Do not put anything above this guy.” [20:55]

• On Justice and Finality:
  Brad Milke — “It's totally fair to assume that anyone involved at any level in this heinous plot would be spending most of the rest of their life in prison just because it was that terrible. Kevorkian got much less time than that, though. Why?” [21:13]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Ryan Kevorkian’s Background and Recruitment: [04:44] – [07:14]
• Surveillance and Setup for Crime: [07:14] – [08:42]
• Inside the Attic & Realization of Full Scope: [13:15] – [14:05]
• Mary Barnes Returns & Kevorkian’s Reluctance: [15:59] – [16:22]
• Crime Goes Off the Rails—Attack and Mutilation: [17:36] – [19:19]
• Aftermath and Subway Stop: [19:56]
• Kevorkian’s Cooperation & Sentencing Details: [21:30]
• Reflections on the Case's Ongoing Impact: [22:09]

Tone & Language

The episode maintains a serious, investigative, and at times, reflective tone. Both hosts retain empathy for the victims while striving for a nuanced portrayal of those involved, acknowledging the self-serving elements of Kevorkian’s perspective. The rawness of the crime and emotional complexity resonate through both direct quotes and the careful handling of distressing details.

For listeners seeking new angles or a more complete understanding of the Mojave Desert case, this bonus episode delivers rare tape and humanizes a figure previously at the narrative’s margins.