Murder charges filed against religious group members in two cases
Several individuals belonging to a high-control religious group known as His Way Spirit Led Assemblies were arrested Dec. 11 as part of a multi-agency law enforcement effort.
The operation, which involved the Redlands Police Department, Colton Police Department, California Department of Justice, Riverside Sheriff’s Office and San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, took place in the cities of Hemet and Colton.
The arrests are tied to two ongoing murder investigations:
The alleged murder of Emilio Ghanem, 40, who went missing in 2023. This is being investigated by the Redlands Police Department, California Department of Justice, and California Highway Patrol.
The alleged 2010 murder of 4-year-old Timothy Thomas, which is being investigated by the Colton Police Department.
Additional arrests were made related to firearms found on the property.
Ghanem murder charges
Emilio Ghanem
Emilio Ghanem was last seen at a Starbucks in Redlands.
The group’s leader, Shelly Bailey “Kat” Martin, 62, and member Rudy Moreno, 43, were arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of Emilio Ghanem and additional weapons charges.
On Dec. 15, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed murder charges against Martin and Moreno related to Ghanem’s death.
“The recent arrests connected to the disappearance of Mr. Emilio Ghanem represent the persistence and dedication of the Redlands Police Department’s investigators and our law enforcement partners,” said Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber. “Since May of 2023, when Mr. Ghanem was reported missing after he was last seen at a Starbucks in Redlands, RPD detectives have undertaken an extensive and complex investigation, working closely with local and state law enforcement partners and dedicating the time and resources this case deserves.”
Tolber added that the developed information led to the arrests of two suspects on murder charges and four additional suspects on related weapons charges.
“I am proud of the dedication demonstrated by our officers and partner agencies, and as the case advances, the Redlands Police Department remains committed to ensuring justice is served for Mr. Ghanem and his family,” Tolber said.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the cooperation between agencies.
“Today, I am thinking of Emilio Ghanem’s family and friends, and the pain they have endured since he went missing over two years ago,” Bonta said. “The California Department of Justice is proud of our Special Operations Unit’s contributions to this complex investigation. We are hopeful that these arrests will bring justice and a measure of healing to this devastating case.”
Thomas murder charges
Timothy Thomas
Timothy Thomas was murdered 15 years ago.
Shelly Martin, Darryl Muzic Martin, 58, and former group member Andre Thomas were arrested for their involvement in the 2010 death of Timothy Thomas.
Also on Dec. 15, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed charges related to Timothy Thomas’ death against “Kat” Martin, Darryl Martin and Andre Thomas.
“The arrests and charges filed against the suspects responsible for the death of 4-year-old Timothy ‘Timo’ Thomas are the first steps toward long-awaited justice,” said Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega. “Although Timo’s life was cut short 15 years ago, the circumstances of his death still weigh heavily on our officers who never gave up on his case.”
Vega expressed gratitude for the tireless work of his detectives and partner agencies.
“The Colton Police Department has never forgotten Timo,” he said.
Call for information
If anyone believes they are a victim or knows a victim, they are requested to contact the Redlands Police Department at missingperson_emilio@redlandspolice.org or by phone at (909) 798-7614, or the Colton Police Department at detective@coltonca.gov or by phone at (909) 370-5019.