Leaders of secretive California religious group accused of murder after member and ex-member vanish

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Two leaders of a group described as “cult-like” by authorities in the Inland Empire have been arrested along with a prominent member on suspicion of murder amid multiple investigations into the disappearance of a member and a former member and the death of a 4-year-old boy many years ago.Darryl Muzic Martin, 58, who identifies himself as the pastor of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, and Shelley Bailey “Kat” Martin, 62, who refers to herself as a prophetess and a gifted oracle, have been arrested on suspicion of murder along with member Rudy Moreno, 43, according to Redlands police.The leaders of the group have been under investigation in connection with the disappearance of former member Emilio Ghanem in May 2023 after visiting a Redlands Starbucks.Separately, Claremont police are investigating the disappearance of Moreno’s brother, Ruben, who was also a member, while Colton police have been probing the death of 4-year-old Timothy Thomas in 2010, who was in the Martins’ custody when he died after not receiving medical treatment.

California His Way Spirit Led Assemblies has attracted the attention of authorities after the death of a young boy and the disappearance of two adult members.Authorities have yet to explain whom they allege each person killed.But Darryl Martin’s booking records in the Riverside County jail show he was held on allegations of murder, possession of a machine gun, and explosives.

His wife was booked in the San Bernardino County jail on suspicion of murder and possession of a machine gun.Moreno was booked on suspicion of second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a machine gun.

The arrests occurred Thursday morning.On Aug.6, Redlands police, with help from the FBI, swarmed the current base of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies in Hemet as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Ghanem.Four residents were...