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Devil in the Desert

ABC News
Hossein Nayeri
Crime
Kidnapping
Torture
California
Newport Beach
Courtney Shigarian
Michael Barnes
Mary Barnes
Ryan Kevorkian
Mojave Desert
Violent Kidnapping
Medical Marijuana
Surveillance Cameras
GPS Tracking Device
Eric Garcia
Ketchikan
Alaska
Orange County Jail
Orange County

In 2012, a woman was found with her hands bound in the Mojave Desert. She led authorities to a grisly crime scene where a barbaric attack had taken place. This moment marked the beginning of an international manhunt and a sting operation that turned a once-devoted wife into an informant. Authorities zeroed in on the so-called mastermind behind the attack: Hossein Nayeri, a charming man who had tie... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes10Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsTrue Crime

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Artwork for Devil in the Desert

Latest Episodes

Today, we're sharing something a little different. This is the first episode of the latest true crime podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Blood and Water."

A woman fails to show up to work. When investigators are called to her home, they find a grues... more

Devil in the Desert has been nominated for a Webby Award! And you can be part of the outcome. Voting closes this week, so make your voice heard today. Check out all the nominees and help decide the best of the internet ⁠here⁠.

Learn more about your ... more

Today, we're sharing something a little different. This is the first episode of the latest true crime podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Bridge of Lies," hosted by Juju Chang.

In episode one of "Bridge of Lies," a call about an abandoned car on a br... more

Now that "Devil in the Desert" has come to a close, we're sharing the first episode of our new series from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "The Hand in the Window."

A 911 call becomes the first step in an investigation that would reveal sinister and shocking c... more

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Host

Matt Gutman
ABC News Chief National Correspondent, frequently leads high-stakes investigative narration.

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 2.1k ratings
  • Crazy

    Amazing series!! How crazy because I live in Santa Ana, and I remember exactly when they escaped!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Eddieonfleek121
    United States3 months ago
  • SO EMOTIONLESS

    The story’s are fine but the person who reads them sounds so monotone and emotionless

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    FoxBloxMinecraft
    United States4 months ago
  • Shocking!

    Wooow!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kara Menderes
    United States7 months ago
  • Slippery Snakes

    Hossein was a slippery snake! Fascinating podcast with lots of twists and turns!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    USA Mknitter
    United States7 months ago
  • It’s absolutely worth a listen

    Please do not give weight to any of the weirdly similar and negative reviews. Especially one’s victim blaming Courtney; it’s very clear none of those persons have experienced an abusive relationship or a toxic power dynamic.

    Also, the state’s political leanings have nothing to do with the investigation and prosecution of this case, other than the limits the law puts on their efforts.

    This is a well reported case with a lot of interesting twists and turns.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Professor Batty
    United States7 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some reviews note repeated or drawn-out segments and critique the pacing.
A subset highlights strong reporting and engaging interview content as standout features.
Listeners praise the narration and pacing when the story stays tight and focused.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#217
United States/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#174
France/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#117
Ireland/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#128
Denmark/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#140
Saudi Arabia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#159
Brazil/True Crime

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per EpisodeGender SkewLocation
InterestsProfessionsAge Range
Household IncomeSocial Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Devil in the Desert

What is Devil in the Desert about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A gripping true crime series that follows a 2012 kidnapping and brutal aftermath in California, unfolding through police tapes, informant calls, and prison-break footage. The narrative centers on Hossein Nayeri and a high-stakes international manhunt, exposing the dynamics of a criminal network, media scrutiny, and the quiet shifts inside relationships under extreme pressure. It's likely to appeal to listeners who enjoy meticulous investigations, courtroom and law-enforcement perspectives, and high-tension storytelling that probes motive, loyalty, and justice.

Where can I find podcast stats for Devil in the Desert?

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How many listeners does Devil in the Desert get?

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What are the audience demographics for Devil in the Desert?

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How many subscribers and views does Devil in the Desert have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Devil in the Desert has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Devil in the Desert?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Devil in the Desert:

1. Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska
2. What Happened to Holly Bobo?
3. The Binge Cases: My Mother's Lies
4. Dateline NBC
5. 20/20

How many episodes of Devil in the Desert are there?

Devil in the Desert launched a year ago and published 10 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Devil in the Desert?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Devil in the Desert?

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