UPDATE: Authorities are urgently investigating a **4-year-old boy’s death** and the **disappearances of two men** linked to a controversial religious group, **His Way Spirit Led Assemblies**. The investigation comes after police raids uncovered **illegal weapons** and raised serious questions about the group’s practices.
In **2010**, **Timothy Thomas**, a bright 4-year-old, tragically died from septic shock due to a ruptured appendix while under the care of the group’s leaders, **Darryl Muzic Martin** and **Shelly Bailey “Kathryn” Martin**. Almost **nine years later**, **Ruben Moreno**, a **43-year-old** man, was reported missing, followed by the disappearance of **Emilio Ghanem**, **40**, in **May 2023**, last seen at a Starbucks in **Redlands, California**.
Authorities have linked all three cases, raising alarms about the secretive nature of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, which has operated in **California’s Inland Empire** since the early **2000s**. The group, described as **cult-like**, has been under scrutiny for its alleged control over members, including financial exploitation, where income was reportedly handed over to the Martins.
Police raids in **August** at locations connected to the group in **Hemet** and **Anza** resulted in the confiscation of fully automatic rifles and the temporary detention of a dozen individuals, including the Martins, who have since been released with no charges filed.
Colton police Sgt. **Shawn McFarland** has confirmed that the investigation into Timothy’s death has revealed troubling patterns consistent with cult behavior. He stated that the Martins imposed excessive control over members and noted the alarming parallels with the coroner’s findings from **2010**.
Experts, including cult specialist **Steven Hassan**, emphasize the dangers posed by such groups. Hassan noted that His Way Spirit Led Assemblies exhibits classic traits of harmful organizations, such as alienation from family, isolation from the community, and strict control over members’ actions. Ghanem’s sister reported her brother’s attempt to leave the group in **April 2023**, which led to a rift and ultimately his disappearance after receiving a cease-and-desist letter regarding alleged theft of clients from the group’s pest control business.
As authorities delve deeper into these cases, they are also exploring the broader implications of cult dynamics and their impact on vulnerable individuals. Hassan urges a broader interpretation of “undue influence” in legal contexts to protect all individuals, not just children or the elderly.
WHAT’S NEXT: The investigation continues as law enforcement seeks to uncover the full extent of the activities within His Way Spirit Led Assemblies. As the situation unfolds, communities are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Stay tuned for updates as this urgent story develops.
