Devil in the Desert: The Witness Episode Release Date: July 8, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Witness" from ABC News' podcast series Devil in the Desert, host Matt Gutman delves deep into the harrowing 2012 kidnapping of Michael and Mary Barnes in the Mojave Desert. This case not only stunned the local community but also initiated an international manhunt targeting Hossein Nayeri, a charismatic figure connected to California's burgeoning medical marijuana industry. Through a combination of police recordings, informant testimonies, and dramatic reenactments of key events, this episode unravels the complexities and brutalities of a crime that continues to haunt investigators.

Discovery of Key Evidence

The investigation took a pivotal turn when Detective Ryan Peters uncovered a critical lead involving a Chevrolet Tahoe linked to the case:

Detective Ryan Peters [01:39]: "Courtney Shigerian's husband, Hussein Nayeri, whose DNA was found on a glove in Kyle Handley's car, was connected to this vehicle."

Initially dismissed as a possible red herring, the Tahoe's discovery on Balboa Island became a cornerstone in piecing together the puzzle surrounding the kidnapping and subsequent torture of the Barnes.

Investigative Strategies and Courtney Shigerian's Involvement

Courtney Shigerian, the registered owner of the Tahoe, emerged as a person of interest. Her initial interactions with law enforcement were marked by resistance and suspicion:

Courtney Shigerian [05:04]: "Hossein Nayeri, whose DNA is on a glove in Kyle Handley's truck, also has cameras linking him to watching Michael's truck. You can't refute that. So for me, this is huge."

Detective Peters approached Courtney with a tactful strategy, aiming to implicate her subtly to gain leverage:

Detective Ryan Peters [08:03]: "Yeah, that's just the items that were releasing to you. Okay, you can take your stuff."

Despite the meticulously laid trap, Courtney remained unnervingly calm, raising questions about her awareness and involvement.

The Proffer Interview: A Turning Point

The breakthrough came when Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy and his colleague Heather Brown devised a plan to engage Courtney's family, recognizing the profound influence her relatives could wield over her cooperation. This strategic outreach led to Courtney consenting to a proffer interview—a conditional agreement to provide information without immediate legal repercussions.

During the interview on May 7, 2013, Courtney's revelations were both detailed and damning:

Courtney Shigerian [24:56]: "Hussein Nayeri, Kyle Hanley, and their third person... Hossein and Ryan were very close."

She meticulously outlined the motives and mechanics behind the kidnapping, linking it directly to Nayeri's dissatisfaction with financial dealings related to his marijuana business:

Courtney Shigerian [26:06]: "Hussein got offended and was like, 'What is this guy telling me that this is good product?'"

Her testimony shed light on the extent of surveillance and the premeditated nature of the crime, revealing a plot driven by greed and betrayal.

Breakthroughs and Pursuit of Hossein Nayeri

Courtney's cooperation provided law enforcement with a tangible lead on the third conspirator, Ryan Kevorkian, whose DNA matched evidence from the crime scene. This confirmation accelerated the pursuit of Nayeri, who had fled to Iran following the arrest of Kyle Handley.

The authorities' relentless efforts culminated in locating Kevorkian in Lancaster:

Detective Ryan Peters [34:34]: "We followed him to the 24 Hour Fitness and recovered his towel, which provided the crucial DNA match."

With Kevorkian's identity and involvement secured, the focus shifted to orchestrating a sting operation to lure Nayeri out of hiding. Utilizing Courtney's pivotal role, investigators arranged for her to reconnect with Nayeri under the guise of reconciliation, positioning her as a key informant against him.

Conclusion: A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Despair

"The Witness" concludes on a tense note as Courtney successfully reestablishes contact with Nayeri, positioning herself as the linchpin in the operation to apprehend him. Her transformation from a potentially complicit individual to a cooperative informant underscores the complexities of loyalty, coercion, and redemption within the murky depths of criminal investigations.

Courtney Shigerian [37:18]: "I'm just shaking right now."

Detective Ryan Peters [37:22]: "I'm just shaking right now."

As the episode wraps, listeners are left contemplating the precarious balance between justice and survival, and the profound personal costs borne by those entangled in such brutal crimes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Detective Ryan Peters [01:39]: "Courtney Shigerian's husband, Hussein Nayeri, whose DNA was found on a glove in Kyle Handley's car, was connected to this vehicle."

• Courtney Shigerian [05:04]: "Hossein Nayeri, whose DNA is on a glove in Kyle Handley's truck, also has cameras linking him to watching Michael's truck. You can't refute that. So for me, this is huge."

• Courtney Shigerian [24:56]: "Hussein Nayeri, Kyle Hanley, and their third person... Hossein and Ryan were very close."

• Courtney Shigerian [26:06]: "Hussein got offended and was like, 'What is this guy telling me that this is good product?'"

• Courtney Shigerian [37:18]: "I'm just shaking right now."

• Detective Ryan Peters [37:22]: "I'm just shaking right now."

This summary encapsulates the intense investigative journey detailed in "The Witness," highlighting key moments and testimonies that illuminate the dark underbelly of the Mojave Desert's infamous crime.