Southern California – Leaders and members of a Hemet-based religious organization described by investigators and former followers as cult-like have been formally charged with murder in connection with the deaths of a 4-year-old boy and a missing 40-year-old man, marking a major development in investigations that span more than a decade.
The group, known as “His Way Spirit Led Assemblies,” has been under scrutiny for years following the disappearances of former members Emilio Ghanem, 40, and Ruben Moreno, 49, as well as the 2010 death of Timothy “Timo” Thomas, a child whose parents had temporarily transferred custody to the group.
Leaders and Members Arrested
On December 11, Redlands police arrested six members of the organization at its headquarters. Those arrested on murder and firearms-related charges include:
- Darryl “Muzic” Martin, 58, leader of the group
- Shelly Bailey “Kathryn” Martin, 62, his wife, who identifies as a prophetess
- Rudy Moreno, 43, a high-ranking member
Three additional suspects, including a 44-year-old woman and two 58-year-old men, were taken into custody on weapons-related charges, according to booking records.
On December 15, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that murder charges had been officially filed.
Breakdown of Murder Charges
Prosecutors allege the following:
- Shelly Kathryn Martin is charged with murder in the deaths of Timothy Thomas and Emilio Ghanem
- Darryl Muzic Martin is charged with murder in the deaths of Timothy Thomas and Emilio Ghanem, and was also arrested in connection with Ruben Moreno’s disappearance, though no charges have yet been filed in that case
- Rudy Moreno is charged with murder in the death of Emilio Ghanem
- Andre Thomas, a former member, is charged with murder in the death of Timothy Thomas
Darryl Martin, Shelly Martin, and Rudy Moreno remain in custody without bail.
The Death of 4-Year-Old Timothy Thomas
Timothy Thomas died in January 2010 while reportedly under the care of Darryl and Shelly Martin. According to Colton police, temporary custody of the child had been signed over by his birth parents to leaders of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies.
The child died from septic shock caused by a ruptured appendix. At the time, the San Bernardino County Coroner ruled the death as natural. However, Colton police later reopened the case after receiving new leads, ultimately leading to the current charges.
Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega said the case has remained with investigators for years.
“Although Timo’s life was cut short 15 years ago, the circumstances of his death still weigh heavily on our officers who never gave up on his case,” Vega said.
Emilio Ghanem’s Disappearance Turns Homicide Case
Emilio Ghanem, a longtime member of the group, was last seen alive in May 2023. His disappearance was initially treated as a missing persons case.
Ghanem had spent two decades as a devoted member of the organization and worked at a pest control company called Fullshield Inc., later known as Maxguard, which investigators say was closely tied to the group.
In April 2023, Ghanem left both the religious group and Maxguard, relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, to reunite with family and start a new life. He launched his own pest control business and returned to Southern California to open a satellite office.
According to his family, Maxguard issued Ghanem a cease-and-desist letter on May 8, 2023, accusing him of competing for business.
Last Known Movements Before He Vanished
While staying at an Airbnb in Moreno Valley, Ghanem met a former group member for coffee at a Starbucks in Redlands on May 25, 2023. That former member later told investigators he feared the meeting Ghanem planned afterward — with a high-ranking group member — was a setup.
“I just felt it was going to end badly,” the former member said.
Surveillance footage later captured Ghanem driving a rented Nissan Frontier pickup truck in Grand Terrace. That was the last confirmed sighting of him alive.
On August 1, 2025, Redlands police located Ghanem’s truck, transforming the case into a homicide investigation. Detectives said evidence was found inside the vehicle, though specific details were not disclosed.
Allegations of Cult Control and Abuse
Former members describe His Way Spirit Led Assemblies as operating under strict control by Darryl and Shelly Martin. One former follower told investigators that members believed Shelly Martin was “God on Earth.”
“If Prophetess or Pastor said, ‘You’re doing this,’ then you’re doing it,” he said. “There wasn’t an option.”
The former member said the group frequently prepared for the end of the world, lived communally across multiple Inland Empire properties, and placed children in the Martins’ home, where discipline was allegedly severe.
Financial Control and Business Ties
The group’s finances reportedly revolved around Maxguard, the pest control company that investigators say generated nearly $2 million annually. Former members allege the business was originally started by Ghanem and that most profits were turned over to the group’s leaders.
Despite allegedly generating $20,000 to $35,000 per month in sales, Ghanem was reportedly paid as little as $100 per week, according to former associates.
Weapons Seized During Searches
With assistance from the FBI, authorities executed search warrants at the group’s Hemet headquarters and a property in Anza.
Police say they recovered:
- Converted fully automatic rifles
- Short-barreled rifles
- Unserialized ghost guns
- Electronic devices and digital evidence
Darryl and Shelly Martin were previously arrested on August 27, 2025, for suspected weapons violations but were not charged at the time. Shelly Martin was released following what police described as a medical episode.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Appeals
Authorities say the investigation into Ruben Moreno’s disappearance, who was last seen in 2017 at a Claremont residence linked to the group, remains active.
Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber emphasized the long journey of the Ghanem case.
“The progression from hope to heartbreak over the past two years has been incredibly difficult for his family,” Tolber said.
How to Provide Information
Anyone with information related to these cases is urged to contact law enforcement:
- Emilio Ghanem case: Redlands Police Detective Bureau at 909-551-4424
- Timothy Thomas case: Colton Police Department at 909-370-5140
- Ruben Moreno case: Claremont Police Department at 909-399-5411
Investigators say the arrests represent significant steps in a long and complex effort to uncover the truth. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
