Deep in the Mojave Desert, a shocking crime unfolded, driven by greed and cruelty. The story begins with a man named Michael living in Newport Beach, California. He was a successful business owner and clearly had considerable wealth.  Michael's roommate, Mary Barnes, mentioned that Michael wasn't flashy but had a reputation for others thinking he was rich. He owned a medical marijuana dispensary in Southern California.  Life took a dark turn on October 2, 2012, amidst the early California morning. Michael and Mary were peacefully in their rooms when disaster struck.  Two men with guns burst into their bedrooms, capturing them without hesitation. Arresting them and taking them before daybreak. They shoved Michael and Mary into a van. The criminals demanded a million-dollar ransom. Michael quickly offered to pay them $100, 000 instead. Instead of accepting it, they viciously tortured Michael.  They beat him, shocked him with a stun gun and burned him with a blowtorch. His screams echoed in the van.

        Mary watched as Michael was relentlessly abused. The men were certain Michael had the money. After questioning Michael and getting nowhere, the kidnappers drove deep into the Mojave Desert. The landscape is unforgiving and treacherous.  The kidnappers forced Michael and Mary out of the van and into a gulley. They cruelly cut off Michael's penis and poured bleach over his wounds. Michael's skin was left with seared footprints.  They left Mary with a knife to cut herself free. She had to rely on her instincts.

        By dawn, the sun began to rise, Mary saw a glint of hope. She managed to cut herself free with the knife. Just as the sun rose, a Deputy Sheriff saw her waving frantically for help. Mary was found by Sgt. Steve Williams.  Michael was found and rushed to the hospital. Michael survived the ordeal but was severely injured. His recovery was long and painful.  Ryan Peters, a detective, and Matt Murphy, a prosecutor, joined forces to solve the case. They could barely find any clues. Michael had no enemies that they could find. He had no idea who would do this. Michael even told them he was a nice guy. He even had to mention he never slept with anyone's wife. It was a big mystery to solve.  Their first big break came from a neighbor who saw a suspicious white truck. The truck had three men and one had a ladder. The license plate number she recorded helped them. They traced it to a local man named Kyle Handley. Handley operated a medical marijuana business. The police had found the car used in the kidnapping. It was near the back wall of Kyle's house. It had blood on the towels.  The real torment was just beginning.  Kyle Handley was connected to a man. The man was Ada Hossein Nayeri. He had fled to Iran. It was nearly impossible to extradite Nayeri.  Matthew and the team of investigators had a plan.  A prison break, another kidnapping, a surprising betrayal, and an international sting operation were all part of the plan to catch Ada Nayeri.  Nayeri was soon caught and brought to justice.

Chilling Tale of Greed and Betrayal in the Desert

Actions