Devil in the Desert Podcast: Inside the Hunt for Fugitive Hossein Nayeri

What happens when a seemingly normal man from Newport Beach is revealed as the mastermind behind a gruesome crime? The new true-crime podcast Devil in the Desert, a chilling collaboration between ABC Audio and 20/20, brings to light the haunting tale of Hossein Nayeri—a fugitive whose violent past left scars across California and beyond.

Podcast cover art of Devil in the Desert, a true crime series about fugitive Hossein Nayeri

Launching on June 17, 2025, across all podcast platforms, this gripping six-part series is more than just a crime story. It’s a psychological thriller, an international pursuit, and a rare glimpse into one of the most terrifying cases in modern criminal history.


Chapter 1: The Mojave Discovery — A Bound Woman, A Desert, A Dark Secret

In 2012, a sheriff’s deputy patrolling the Mojave Desert came across a disturbing scene: a woman, bound and disoriented, walking alone under the scorching sun. She wasn’t just escaping danger—she was leading investigators to it.

This incident unraveled what would become one of the most high-profile manhunts in recent history.


Chapter 2: The Prime Suspect — Who Is Hossein Nayeri?

As investigators dug deeper, a name surfaced—Hossein Nayeri. A man with a past riddled with secrets, Nayeri was no stranger to law enforcement. He was:

Authorities began building a case linking Nayeri to the violent attack—and the woman’s harrowing escape.


Chapter 3: Fleeing the Law — A Fugitive’s International Trail

As suspicions mounted, Nayeri vanished. His escape wasn’t just a spontaneous flight; it was a meticulously planned exodus. The podcast explores his route:

For years, Nayeri managed to elude justice while living under the radar.

International Obstacles: Extradition Challenges

One of the biggest challenges for U.S. authorities was navigating international law:

This case became as much about diplomatic maneuvering as it was about criminal investigation.


Chapter 4: The Bait — Undercover Operation That Changed Everything

In a rare and bold move, U.S. officials turned to an unlikely asset: Nayeri’s then-wife. The podcast dives deep into this complex operation, revealing how:

Ultimately, the strategy worked. Nayeri returned—and was promptly arrested.


Chapter 5: Behind Bars — And Another Daring Escape

Justice, however, wasn’t the end of the story.

While awaiting trial, Nayeri pulled off another unbelievable stunt—an audacious escape from custody that stunned authorities:

This bizarre twist added a new chapter to an already unbelievable story.


Chapter 6: Wicked Game — The Documentary Behind the Podcast

While Devil in the Desert is a standalone podcast, it’s also a companion piece to the Hulu docuseries Wicked Game: The Devil in the Desert by ABC News Studios.

Key highlights of the docuseries and podcast include:

Together, they offer a 360-degree view of the case.


The Hosts and Creators: Journalistic Excellence in Audio Form

Matt Gutman: Leading the Narrative

The podcast is hosted by Matt Gutman, ABC News’ Chief National Correspondent, who brings:

His voice provides clarity to a story filled with chaos.


Why Devil in the Desert Is a Must-Listen for True Crime Fans

True crime podcasts are everywhere—but Devil in the Desert sets itself apart through:


How to Listen and What to Expect

Release Date and Platforms

Episode Breakdown (Anticipated)

  1. The Woman in the Desert – The initial discovery
  2. The Torturer’s Past – Nayeri’s background
  3. Escape to Iran – International flight
  4. The Informant Wife – The trap is set
  5. Jailbreak – The recorded escape
  6. Wicked Reflections – Legal aftermath and what’s next

Public Reactions and Impact

Even before launch, Devil in the Desert has generated buzz in the podcasting world, especially among fans of:

Early listeners describe it as:


Conclusion: The Devil Was Always Among Us

Devil in the Desert doesn’t just tell a crime story. It explores the psychological, social, and judicial dimensions of what makes someone like Hossein Nayeri possible—and how even the most chilling fugitive can still be caught.

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