Law enforcement in Southern California has brought murder charges against leaders of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, a small, secretive religious group based in the Inland Empire, in connection with two separate deaths spanning more than a decade.
San Bernardino County prosecutors allege that Shelley Bailey “Kat” Martin, 62, and other high-ranking members of the group played roles in the death of 4-year-old Timothy Thomas in 2010 and the alleged homicide of longtime member Emilio Ghanem, 40, who disappeared in 2023. Timothy died while in the custody of group leaders, and authorities now contend his fatal appendicitis went untreated, leading to his death at a Colton residence. Ghanem’s last confirmed sighting was in Redlands before his disappearance; authorities later found his vehicle in the Mojave Desert, and evidence pointed to foul play rather than a natural disappearance.
The charged group members include Martin’s husband, Darryl Muzic Martin, and Rudy Moreno, with some facing multiple counts in both cases. A fourth defendant, Andre Thomas, the father of the 4-year-old, has also been charged in connection with Timothy’s death. All defendants have pleaded not guilty and remained in custody as the case moves forward.
His Way Spirit Led Assemblies operated in communities such as Hemet, Redlands and Colton, using tightly controlled religious practices that some former members described as cult-like. Investigators say new evidence and testimony from ex-members helped reopen cold aspects of the 2010 case and build the homicide charge in Ghanem’s disappearance.
Authorities continue investigating other unresolved cases linked to the group, and detectives urge anyone with information to come forward as legal proceedings unfold.
