Devil in the Desert: Episode 6 - "Catching Nayeri"
Host/Author: ABC News
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Introduction
"Devil in the Desert" delves deep into one of the most harrowing criminal cases of recent memory. Episode 6, titled "Catching Nayeri," narrates the intense manhunt and subsequent trial of Hossein Nayeri, the alleged mastermind behind a gruesome attack in the Mojave Desert in 2012. Hosted by Matt Gutman, the episode weaves together police tapes, informant calls, and exclusive interviews to paint a comprehensive picture of this chilling saga.
The Jailbreak: January 2016
The episode opens with the audacious escape of Hossein Nayeri, Jonathan Tew, and Bach Young from a maximum-security jail in Orange County. Three days post-escape, the region was gripped by fear as hundreds of law enforcement officers scoured Southern California with no leads.
Deputy District Attorney Heather Brown (00:05:30):
"When I got that text, I thought, oh my God, they let Hannibal Lecter out."
Brown's harrowing comparison underscored the peril posed by Nayeri, likening him to the fictional serial killer. This statement, intended to highlight the dangers of overcrowded and underfunded prisons, inadvertently catapulted the story into national headlines, amplifying public anxiety.
The Intensifying Manhunt
As the search intensified, authorities focused on identifying the key players:
- Hossein Nayeri: Connected to California's burgeoning medical marijuana industry.
- Jonathan Tew: Facing murder charges.
- Bach Young: Charged with attempted murder.
The podcast describes the frenetic efforts across Southern California, with Sheriff cruisers patrolling relentlessly and the community on edge.
The Role of Long Ma and the Turning Point
A pivotal character emerged—Long Ma, a 71-year-old Vietnamese cab driver. On the day of the escape (January 22, 2016), the trio commandeered his taxi, coercing him into aiding their flight across Los Angeles. The following day, discontent and mistrust among the fugitives led to Long Ma and Bach Young fleeing in the stolen taxi, ultimately leading to Young's surrender on January 29, 2016.
Long Ma (01:15:45):
"I thought they were planning to kill me."
His defection from the trio provided law enforcement with critical insights, revealing the fractures within the group and narrowing the focus on Nayeri and Tew.
Capture in San Francisco
Fast forward to January 30, 2016, Matthew Hay Chapman, an unhoused individual and self-proclaimed news junkie, noticed a suspicious white van near Golden Gate Park. Recognizing Nayeri, he alerted the nearby police, leading to Nayeri's immediate arrest. Additionally, Chapman identified Jonathan Tew still hiding in the van, culminating in their swift return to custody.
Behind Bars: Building a Relationship
Post-arrest, Nayeri was confined to solitary in a maximum-security unit. In a surprising turn, journalist Matt Gutman began corresponding with Nayeri, forging a relationship that eventually led to a face-to-face interview in early 2019. This intimate exchange aimed to humanize a man branded as a remorseless criminal.
The Trial: July 2019
The courtroom drama unfolded at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. Presided over by Judge Greg Prickett, the trial marked a significant chapter in Matt Murphy's (prosecutor) career as his final case before retirement.
Prosecutor Heather Brown (02:45:10):
"This isn't a case for the faint-hearted. We will prove beyond doubt that Hossein Nayeri is responsible for the brutal crimes against Mary Barnes and Michael."
Conversely, Defense Attorney Sal Chulla sought to dismantle the prosecution's case by casting doubt on the evidence and questioning witness credibility.
Key Testimonies
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Victims’ Accounts:
- Michael: Described the physical and psychological scars from the attack.
Michael (03:10:25):
"The scars where the bleach was poured are still visible. They bloom up whenever I drink alcohol."
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Courtney Shigerian: Nayeri's ex-wife, offered emotional testimony that contrasted sharply with Nayeri's composed demeanor.
Courtney (04:00:50):
"When I saw him in the courtroom, I just lost it. I couldn't look at him."
Defense Attorney Sal Chulla (04:05:15):
"She picked the right career after all. I guess that's the best I can say."
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Deputy Sheriff Williams: Presented crime scene evidence, including a blue glove with Nayeri's DNA.
Deputy Sheriff Williams (03:05:40):
"We found Nayeri's DNA on the blue glove in Kyle Handley's truck."
Nayeri Takes the Stand
In a bold move, Nayeri testified in his defense, challenging the prosecution's narrative and attempting to portray himself as an unwitting participant.
Nayeri (05:30:00):
"I didn't set it up. And you know the information, where was it set up? Fresno, California, wasn't it?"
His testimony was marked by moments of confrontation, notably during cross-examination by Matt Murphy, culminating in an explosive exchange when Nayeri refused to answer a particularly graphic question.
Matt Murphy (06:15:25):
"You're out in the desert. You cut off his penis. Why couldn't you just leave it there?"
Nayeri (06:16:45):
"I'm done."
The courtroom fell silent as Murphy achieved the desired emotional reaction, highlighting the stark contrast between Nayeri's composed facade and the brutality of his alleged crimes.
Verdict and Sentencing
After deliberations extending into the following week, the jury delivered a guilty verdict on two counts of kidnapping and one count of torture. However, they acquitted Nayeri of aggravated mayhem related to the disfigurement of Michael.
Judge Greg Prickett (07:40:10):
"The defendant is found guilty of two counts of kidnapping and one count of torture."
Nayeri was sentenced to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, aligning with the sentences of his co-conspirators.
Appeals and Ongoing Legal Battles
Not one to relent, Nayeri filed multiple appeals citing:
- Alleged prejudice based on Iranian heritage.
- Claims of ineffective counsel.
- Questioning the credibility and immunity granted to Courtney Shigerian.
While his first appeal in February 2025 was denied, the second remains under consideration, keeping the public and victims in a state of restless anticipation.
Reflections and Conclusion
The episode concludes with introspective thoughts on Nayeri's enduring influence and the lingering fears of his victims.
Matt Gutman (08:30:50):
"Even though he's now behind bars, his victims might always wonder, have we seen the last of Hossein Nayeri?"
The narrative underscores the complex interplay of charm, manipulation, and justice, leaving listeners pondering the true nature of the man at the heart of this dark tale.
Notable Quotes
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Heather Brown (00:06:30):
"I'm just saying, of all the people to escape, this wasn't a guy who stole a car."
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Matt Gutman (01:50:20):
"I decided to form a relationship with him, try to get to know him, and ultimately meet him face to face."
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Nayeri (05:45:10):
"We smoked some herb. That's what we did. God bless America."
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Matt Murphy (06:20:30):
"You don't even deserve an answer."
Closing Thoughts
"Devil in the Desert: Episode 6 - 'Catching Nayeri'" masterfully encapsulates the tension, complexity, and human elements of a case that captivated a nation. Through meticulous storytelling and exclusive interviews, ABC News offers listeners an unflinching look at the pursuit of justice against a backdrop of fear and uncertainty.