Where are Jonathan Tieu and Bac Duong now? All about Hossein Nayeri’s cellmates from Wicked Game: Devil in the Desert

Jonathan Tieu and Bac Duong, who escaped from Orange County Men's Central Jail in 2016, have received serious punishment for their jailbreak.

The true-crime series Wicked Game: Devil in the Desert covers their case along with Hossein Nayeri. It premiered on February 4, 2025, exclusively on Hulu. The show explores the violent abduction, prison break, and perspectives of victims and law enforcement.

Tieu, who had been indicted on a murder charge, has since pleaded and completed his sentence; he is out of prison now and seeking to start anew.

Bac Duong, on the other hand, received a sentence of 20 years for having a part in the plot of escaping and is in his imprisonment. He is still serving his sentence. These two are part of the notorious case where a man named Hossein Nayeri was the mastermind of the jailbreak.

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Jonathan Tieu's Story

According to ABC7, Jonathan Tieu, 27 years old currently, was originally charged with heavy offenses before his escape. Jonathan Tieu was first brought into the stand as a defendant in the murder case but later prosecuted for assault in armed combat owing to new liability provisions of that state on homicides.

According to ABC7, Jonathan's post-jailbreak problems began as he would join other detainees in kidnapping another taxi driver before his eventual surrender. In April 2023, he pled to a charge in connection with the escape. He was given an eight-year prison term. However, the time served was credited to him, and he was released shortly after.

According to the LA Times, when he was released, Tieu said that he wanted to reconnect with his family. He said that he intended to visit his mother after staying away for many years in custody.

The attorney described him as an exceptionally bright man who made some wrong decisions due to the influence of Nayeri, whom he referred to as charismatic. Tieu's future is not known, but he has been given a chance to start fresh from his tumultuous past.

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Bac Duong's Sentence

According to ABC7, Bac Duong, who was 50 years old when he was sentenced, had been convicted on several counts concerning both the escape and an attempted murder case that resulted in his incarceration. In July 2021, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in the jailbreak and attempted murder.

During the breakout, Duong played a key role in organizing the jailbreak with Nayeri and Tieu. According to the LA Times, he tried to protect the taxi driver from Nayeri, who wanted to harm him. The victim later thanked Duong for saving his life.

ABC7 reports that Duong has been a model inmate for over seven years despite his past crimesand is expected to complete his sentence without further trouble.

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The escape incident

According to the LA Times, the escape itself was a well-planned operation that occurred on January 22, 2016. Tieu, Nayeri, and Duong cut through multiple layers of security at Orange County Men's Central Jail using improvised tools. They climbed through plumbing tunnels and used makeshift ropes made from bedsheets to reach the roof.

After escaping, they took a taxi driver hostage and traveled north before their eventual capture. According to the Orange County Register, Duong surrendered voluntarily after returning to Southern California while Nayeri and Jonathan Tieu were apprehended days later in San Francisco. The dramatic nature of their escape garnered national attention and led to an extensive manhunt.

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In summary, Jonathan Tieu is now free after serving time for his involvement in both a murder case and the jail escape, while Bac Duong continues to serve a lengthy sentence for his crimes.