Full Breakdown
Arrest of Religious Leader Linked to Missing Persons and Child Death
12/13/2025, 12:26:59 AM
Overview of the Core Event
Darryl Muzic Martin, 57, the leader of the Southern California religious group His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, has been arrested for the alleged murder of Emilio Salem Ghanem, a former member who disappeared earlier this year. This arrest follows a broader investigation into the disappearances of Ghanem and another former member, Ruben Moreno, as well as a reopened case regarding the death of a child previously in the Martins' care.
Background & Context
His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, based in Rialto, California, is described by former members as a group that prepares for apocalyptic events, storing supplies in anticipation of the end times. Ghanem, who had been part of the group for 20 years, left shortly before his disappearance in 2023, intending to return to Nashville. Moreno, 41, has been missing since December 2017, with his family reporting him missing in August 2019. The Redlands Police Department is collaborating with the Claremont Police Department to investigate these cases.
Key Figures & Groups
- Darryl Muzic Martin: Leader of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, arrested for murder.
- Shelly Bailey "Kat" Martin: Martin's partner, arrested on weapons charges but later released.
- Emilio Salem Ghanem: Missing former member of the group, last seen in 2023.
- Ruben Moreno: Another former member, missing since December 2017.
- Timothy Thomas: A four-year-old boy who died in 2010 while in the Martins' temporary custody.
Official Statements & Responses
The Redlands Police Department confirmed Martin's arrest on an out-of-county warrant and stated he will be held without bail. They noted that Ghanem was last seen at a coffee shop shortly after leaving the group. The police have also indicated that the investigation into the deaths and disappearances is ongoing, with a focus on the group's activities and connections.
Criticism & Opposition
Former members of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies have expressed concerns about the group's practices and leadership. One ex-member described the group's belief system, stating that members view Martin and his partner as embodiments of divine authority, which may have contributed to the environment surrounding the disappearances.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the police have linked the deaths and disappearances to the Martins and their group, specific details surrounding the circumstances of Ghanem's disappearance remain unclear. Additionally, the investigation into Timothy Thomas's death has reopened, but it is not yet confirmed how this case directly ties to the current allegations against Martin.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He left that organization shortly before his disappearance,” — Redlands Police Department
- “When the spirit of God comes over her, everything changes in her, like her voice changes, the way she talks changes, and everything has to be quiet,” — Former member of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies
- “Together with our Philadelphia PD and other partners, our commitment to the citizens of Philadelphia remains steadfast: the relentless pursuit of violent fugitives such as Tyvine Jones, whose unrestrained existence serves only to diminish our great city,” — Eric Gartner, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
What's Next
The investigation into the activities of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies is ongoing, with authorities examining the group's practices and any potential connections to other missing persons or unresolved cases. Further developments are expected as police continue to gather evidence and interview former members.
