Last Monday, the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office announced murder charges against leaders and members of the Southern California-based group "His Way Spirit Led Assemblies" in connection to the disappearances and alleged murders of Emilio Ghanem, 40, and 4-year-old Timothy Thomas, in a case that has spanned over a decade. According to CBS News Los Angeles, several arrests have been made following a joint operation including the Riverside Sherriff’s Office, and the Colton and Redlands police departments, among other law enforcement agencies.
On December 11, 2025, the operation led to the arrest of group leader Shelly Bailey "Kat" Martin, 62, who, along with group member Rudy Moreno, 43, faces charges for Ghanem's murder. Meanwhile, Martin, her partner Darryl Muzic Martin, 58, and former group member Andre Thomas were charged for their alleged involvement in the 2010 death of Timothy Thomas, as per details from the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office. Additional arrests related to firearms found on the property were also reported, but specific details were not provided.
Investigators alleged that Ghanem, after leaving the group to start his own business in Nashville, Tennessee, returned to Southern California for new opportunities, a move that may have led to his demise. His last sighting was at a Starbucks in Redlands on March 25, 2023. Authorities later found a burned-out vehicle in the Mojave Desert, believed to be connected to his death. The Redlands Police Department's investigation, aided by the California Department of Justice and California Highway Patrol, has been working on this case since Ghanem was reported missing. "Since May of 2023, when Mr. Ghanem was reported missing after he was last seen at a Starbucks in the City of Redlands, RPD detectives have undertaken an extensive and complex investigation," Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber said in a statement obtained by the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office.
The case of Timothy Thomas, which occurred more than a decade earlier, was reopened following new leads and evidence, which also pointed to His Way Spirit Led Assemblies. Thomas allegedly died from an appendicitis rupture while in the temporary custody of the Martins, with officials stating he could have survived if brought to medical care in time. "The Colton Police Department has never forgotten Timo," expressed Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega, acknowledging the continued efforts to solve the boy's case. Both Ol 'Timo's death and the disappearance of Rudy Moreno's brother, Ruben Moreno, highlight the broader network of disappearances connected to the group. To date, no charges have been filed in the case of Ruben Moreno's disappearance.
Victim advocates were present during the arrests to provide immediate aid to members of the high-control group. If anyone believes they are a victim or knows a victim, they are encouraged to contact the Redlands Police Department or the Colton Police Department using the provided contact information. The recent developments offer a semblance of hope for those affected by the tragedies, with California Attorney General Rob Bonta stating, "We are hopeful that these arrests will bring justice and a measure of healing to this devastating case," as he told the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office.
