Authorities Investigate Death and Disappearances Linked to Cult

BREAKING: Authorities are urgently investigating a string of disturbing incidents linked to a secretive religious group, His Way Spirit Led Assemblies. The probe involves the tragic death of a 4-year-old boy in 2010 and the recent disappearances of two men, sparking widespread concern among community members.

The boy, identified as Timothy Thomas, died from septic shock due to a ruptured appendix while under the care of group leaders Darryl Muzic Martin and Shelly Bailey “Kathryn” Martin. Just days after emergency responders attempted to save him, Timothy passed away. Nearly nine years later, authorities reported the disappearance of Ruben Moreno, aged 43, followed by the mysterious absence of Emilio Ghanem, 40, who was last seen at a Starbucks in Redlands, California, in May 2023.

Recent investigations have uncovered alarming connections between these cases and the His Way Spirit Led Assemblies. This little-known group, which has operated across the Inland Empire since the early 2000s, is now under intense scrutiny following police raids that confiscated illegal weapons, including fully automatic rifles. In these operations, a dozen individuals were briefly detained, although no charges have yet been filed.

Authorities have long viewed the circumstances surrounding Timothy’s death with suspicion. A 2010 coroner’s report indicated “cult-like” activities within the church, leading investigators to question the Martins’ influence over members. According to Colton police Sgt. Shawn McFarland, the ongoing inquiry into the child’s death has revealed patterns of excessive control exerted by the Martins over followers, including financial exploitation.

The unsettling nature of these allegations has drawn parallels to notorious cult cases in California’s history, where individuals have tragically lost their lives. Experts like Steven Hassan note that His Way Spirit Led Assemblies exhibits many of the same characteristics found in other harmful groups, such as isolating members from their families and employing manipulative control tactics.

Ghanem’s disappearance raises urgent questions. His sister reported that he planned to leave the group to be closer to family in Nashville, Tennessee, starting a pest control business that clashed with his previous role in the church’s vector-control operation. Shortly before his disappearance, Ghanem received a cease-and-desist letter accusing him of taking clients away from the church’s business.

As authorities delve deeper into these cases, they are calling for increased awareness around the dangers of cult-like organizations. The recent police activity and the mounting evidence of control and manipulation within His Way Spirit Led Assemblies have ignited a community outcry for justice and answers.

WHAT’S NEXT: Investigators are intensifying their efforts to uncover the truth behind these troubling incidents. The Martins remain under investigation as authorities aim to bring clarity to the unfortunate fate of Timothy and the whereabouts of Moreno and Ghanem. Community members are urged to come forward with any information that could aid in these critical investigations.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as authorities work to shed light on these serious allegations and ensure the safety of individuals connected to the group.