Authorities in California are investigating the death of a 4-year-old boy and the disappearances of two men, all connected to a religious organization known as His Way Spirit Led Assemblies. The group’s leaders, Darryl Muzic Martin and Shelly Bailey “Kathryn” Martin, are under scrutiny following police raids that uncovered illegal weapons. As of now, no charges have been filed against them.
The case dates back to 2010 when a boy named Timothy Thomas died from septic shock due to a ruptured appendix. Paramedics in Colton attempted to save him, but he succumbed shortly after. Nearly nine years later, Ruben Moreno, a 43-year-old man from Redlands, was reported missing. Most recently, in May 2023, Emilio Ghanem, aged 40, also vanished, last seen at a Starbucks in Redlands. Family members of both missing men have expressed concern, prompting police to investigate the connections between these disappearances and the religious group.
Authorities have identified links between the organization and all three cases, suggesting a troubling pattern. The Martins were the temporary caregivers for Timothy at the time of his death, and suspicions surrounding the circumstances have persisted for over a decade. A coroner’s investigation in 2010 referenced the group’s activities as “cult-like,” raising alarms about their influence on members.
Recent police raids on compounds linked to His Way Spirit Led Assemblies in Hemet and Anza resulted in the confiscation of fully automatic rifles and other illegal weapons. Authorities briefly detained a dozen individuals during these operations. In August, the Martins were also taken into custody at a motel in Laguna Beach but were released shortly after. They remain under investigation, but no charges have been filed against them.
According to Redlands police Sgt. Shawn McFarland, the investigation into Timothy’s death has revealed similar “cult-like” behaviors as outlined in previous reports. The Martins are accused of exerting excessive control over their followers, reportedly requiring members to surrender their income for distribution at the couple’s discretion.
The mention of cults often captures significant public interest, particularly in California, which has a history of notorious cults. The tragic events involving the Peoples Temple in 1978, where over 900 followers died in a mass suicide orchestrated by Jim Jones, have left a lasting impact. Additionally, the Heaven’s Gate tragedy in 1997, where 39 individuals took their own lives, resonates with those familiar with the state’s cult history.
Steven Hassan, a recognized expert on cults, has noted that His Way Spirit Led Assemblies displays characteristics common to problematic groups. These include isolating members from their families, restricting outside influences, and employing control techniques that can lead to severe consequences for those who attempt to leave.
Ghanem’s situation highlights these dynamics. In April 2023, he decided to leave the group and relocate to Nashville to be closer to family, starting a new pest control business. This choice reportedly strained his relationships within the Assemblies, especially since he had previously worked for the group’s pest control business. Ghanem received a cease-and-desist letter accusing him of stealing clients, and shortly thereafter, he disappeared.
Hassan emphasizes the critical need to identify patterns of control within such groups. He advocates for a broader interpretation of “undue influence” in U.S. courts, arguing that vulnerable individuals are not limited to children or the elderly. This perspective could help protect those ensnared by high-demand groups.
The investigation into the deaths and disappearances linked to His Way Spirit Led Assemblies continues to unfold, as authorities strive to uncover the truth behind these troubling cases. The implications of these investigations extend beyond the individuals involved, raising questions about the safety and well-being of members within similar organizations.