Devil in the Desert – Episode: Control Host/Author: ABC News
Release Date: July 1, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Control" from the podcast series Devil in the Desert by ABC News, listeners embark on a chilling journey tracing the descent of Hossein Nayeri from a promising young athlete to a perpetrator of a heinous crime. Utilizing police tapes, informant calls, and prison footage, this episode delves deep into the complexities of Hussein's life, relationships, and the relentless investigation that ultimately unravels his dark transformation.

Early Life and High School Years

Brad Zimmer, a dedicated wrestling coach at Clovis West High School in Fresno, California, provides the foundational backdrop of Hussein Nayeri's early years.

• Brad Zimmer (00:20): "Brad has spent three decades teaching hundreds, thousands of kids that sports is about more than just throwing a ball."

Hussein, an immigrant from Iran, joins the high school as a quiet freshman. Brad observes Hussein's initial struggles to integrate socially but notes his dedication and self-control on the wrestling mat.

• Brad Zimmer (01:01): "Hussein had a particular quality that great wrestlers have. Self-control, the ability to engage in the physicality of wrestling and stay level-headed."

Despite not being the top wrestler, Hussein's demeanor and discipline earn him a spot on the varsity team in his senior year, showcasing his quiet strength and resilience.

Family Background and Personal Struggles

The podcast delves into Hussein's family dynamics, highlighting tensions that may have influenced his later behavior.

• Unnamed Interviewer (05:12): "I always felt, and kind of from Hussein telling me that he was kind of maybe the black sheep."

Hussein's father returns to Iran shortly after their move to California, leading to a strained relationship with his mother. This familial friction is evident as Hussein grapples with his identity and place within his family.

Military Service and Early Legal Troubles

Post-high school, Hussein's trajectory takes a tumultuous turn as he enlists in the Marine Corps with a friend, seeking purpose and direction.

• Brad Zimmer (05:51): "After high school, Hussein didn't go to college. Instead, he and his buddy from Clovis enlisted in the Marine Corps."

His promising stint is cut short by a severe surfing accident, followed by an unauthorized departure from boot camp, resulting in a discharge and a brief stint in military jail. Upon returning to Fresno, Hussein's life becomes increasingly erratic as he becomes involved in the burgeoning medical marijuana industry.

Relationships: Courtney Shigerian and Jen Tindall

Hussein's personal life becomes a pivotal aspect of his story, marked by tumultuous relationships with Courtney Shigerian and Jen Tindall.

• Courtney Shigerian (07:38): "He was funny and charming and I mean, you know, just cute. Cute, Funny, Charming."

Jen Tindall, initially a friend, becomes a significant figure as Hussein balances his relationships with both women.

• Jen Tindall (08:16): "He's about five, nine, about five, eight and a half. Very in shape, very charming, very good looking."

Hussein's manipulative behavior surfaces as he juggles relationships, leading to emotional strain and eventual breakups, particularly with Courtney when he discovers her true age.

Legal Troubles and Marriage to Jen Tindall

In 2005, Hussein's life spirals further after a devastating car accident that results in the death of his friend Ehsan Tusi. Charged with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, Hussein's legal troubles escalate.

• Courtney Shigerian (16:35): "He had this way of manipulating you into convincing you that this was normal."

Despite the gravity of his charges, Hussein garners support from family and friends, including Jen, who marries him in a bid to prevent his deportation.

• Jen Tindall (21:32): "We were not married because we wanted to be married. I was trying to ensure that he stayed here in the country."

However, Hussein ultimately flees to Iran, severing ties and leaving Jen to face the repercussions alone.

Return to the United States and Escalating Behavior

After a year in exile, Hussein returns to the U.S. using a false passport, resuming his marijuana business in Seattle. His relationship with Courtney deepens, but signs of his deteriorating mental state become apparent.

By 2012, Hussein's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and violent:

• Courtney Shigerian (27:47): "He's losing it."
• Courtney Shigerian (29:06): "Come sit on the stairs right next to me... I could kill you right now."

Despite multiple red flags, including domestic abuse and high-speed chases, Hussein evades law enforcement, displaying a pattern of manipulation and control.

The Grisly Crime and Flight

The culmination of Hussein's descent is the brutal kidnapping, torture, and mutilation of Mary Barnes and her roommate Michael, forcing them into the Mojave Desert. This heinous act marks the beginning of an intense manhunt.

• Courtney Shigerian (31:12): "Things were just getting more and more intense."

Hussein's flight to Iran after the crime further complicates the investigation, with authorities struggling to locate him despite evidence linking him through DNA found at the crime scene and previous legal records.

Police Investigation and Conclusion

Detective Ryan Peters leads the relentless pursuit of Hussein, utilizing DNA matches and surveillance data to narrow down his whereabouts. However, Hussein remains elusive, having fled again to Iran, leaving authorities with limited leads.

• Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy: "Courtney might be their only chance to bring him to justice."

The episode concludes with Hussein's escape, highlighting the persistent evasion tactics and the challenges faced by law enforcement in capturing a cunning and resourceful criminal.

Notable Quotes

• Brad Zimmer (00:20): "Brad has spent three decades teaching hundreds, thousands of kids that sports is about more than just throwing a ball."
• Courtney Shigerian (07:38): "He was funny and charming and I mean, you know, just cute."
• Jen Tindall (21:32): "We were not married because we wanted to be married. I was trying to ensure that he stayed here in the country."
• Courtney Shigerian (29:06): "Come sit on the stairs right next to me... I could kill you right now."

Conclusion

"Control" serves as a haunting exploration of how external pressures, personal failures, and manipulative relationships can drive an individual towards unimaginable crimes. Through detailed narratives and firsthand accounts, ABC News paints a comprehensive portrait of Hussein Nayeri, illuminating the dark path that led to one of the most brutal crimes in recent history.