Charges Filed Against Leaders of California Religious Group in Two Murder Cases

Members of the His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, a secretive religious group based in California, have been charged with murder in two separate cases: the death of 4-year-old Timothy Thomas in 2010 and the disappearance of 40-year-old Emilio Ghanem in 2023. Shelley “Kat” Martin, 62, identified as a leader and “prophetess” of the group, faces charges in both cases, while her husband, Darryl Martin, 58, is charged solely in Timothy's death. Additionally, Andre Thomas, the child's father and a former member of the group, has also been charged with murder.

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Timothy Thomas died after being placed in the care of the Martins, who allegedly prevented him from receiving necessary medical treatment for appendicitis, a condition that could have been treated successfully. Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega stated that the Martins actively obstructed medical intervention, contributing to the child's preventable death.

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In the case of Emilio Ghanem, who had been a member of His Way for nearly 20 years, his burned-out pickup truck was discovered in the Mojave Desert following his disappearance in May 2023. Despite extensive investigations, Ghanem's body has not been recovered, but evidence of homicide was found linked to his case.

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The investigations into both cases faced significant hurdles due to the secretive nature of the His Way Spirit Led Assemblies. Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber noted that the manipulative actions of the Martins and other group members complicated the investigations. In Timothy's case, new information from former members, who were previously reluctant to speak, has been crucial in reviving the investigation.

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These charges have sparked renewed scrutiny of high-control religious groups and their internal authority structures, which can hinder law enforcement efforts and contribute to preventable tragedies. The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office described His Way as a “religious high-control group,” raising concerns about oversight and accountability within such organizations.

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San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson remarked, “What you have here are two separate very winding roads of cases that are now beginning to lead to justice.” Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega expressed gratitude for the progress in Timothy's case, stating, “The arrests and charges filed against the suspects responsible for the death of four-year-old Timothy ‘Timo’ Thomas are the first steps toward long-awaited justice.”

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The Martins and Andre Thomas are scheduled for further court proceedings in San Bernardino County Superior Court. Authorities have indicated that the investigation into Ghanem's death remains active, and it is unclear whether additional charges may be filed against other members of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies.

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• “Shelley and Darryl Martin took an active role in preventing Timo from receiving medical treatment,” — Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega

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• “The secretive and manipulative actions by the Martins and the members of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies presented particular challenges to the department’s investigation.” — Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber

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• “The arrests and charges filed against the suspects responsible for the death of four-year-old Timothy ‘Timo’ Thomas are the first steps toward long-awaited justice,” — Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega

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