“His Way Spirit Led assemblies” Members Charged in Multiple Deaths and Disappearances
Authorities have arrested six members of “His Way Spirit Led Assemblies,” a religious group based in Southern California, in connection with the deaths of Emilio Ghanem and Timothy Thomas, as well as the 2019 disappearance of Ruben moreno. The group, described by authorities as “cult-like,” has been under inquiry for years.
Emilio Ghanem’s Death and arrests
Ramon Ruiz Duran Jr., 44, was arrested in Nashville, Tennessee, on January 12, 2026, and booked on suspicion of murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Emilio Ghanem .Ghanem,a longtime member of the group,disappeared in May 2023 after returning to the Redlands,California area to network with former clients of Fullshield Inc., a pest control business overseen by the organization. He had left the group in April 2023 and started his own pest control company in Nashville, but was served a cease-and-desist letter alleging he was stealing business.
Shelly Bailey “Kat” Martin, 62, and her husband Darryl Muzic Martin, 58, leaders of the group, along with Rudy Moreno, 43, have also been charged in Ghanem’s death. Andre Thomas, 48, has been charged in connection with the death of 4-year-old Timothy Thomas.
The Death of Timothy Thomas
In 2010, the Martins were responsible for the care of 4-year-old Timothy Thomas, who died of septic shock caused by a ruptured appendix at a group property in Colton, California. Police believe neglect played a role in the boy’s death, but struggled to obtain cooperation from group members due to the control exerted by the Martins .
Ruben Moreno’s Disappearance
The group is also connected to the 2019 disappearance of Ruben Moreno in Claremont,California. Local police are continuing to investigate this case.
Shifting Testimony and Group dynamics
Colton Police Sgt.Shawn McFarland reported that several members have left the group and revised their initial statements,claiming their original testimony was given under duress from the group’s leaders.
Ongoing Investigation
Redlands police discovered a truck belonging to Ghanem and executed search warrants on group properties last summer, recovering ghost guns and automatic rifles. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to gather information about the activities of “His Way Spirit Led Assemblies.”
Key Takeaways
- six members of “His Way Spirit Led Assemblies” have been charged in connection with multiple deaths and a disappearance.
- Shelly and Darryl Martin are identified as the leaders of the group.
- Authorities believe the group exerted significant control over its members, hindering previous investigations.
- the investigation remains active, with ongoing efforts to uncover further information.
