Leaders Of Notorious SoCal Cult-Like Religious Group Arrested On Suspicion Of Murder

REDLANDS, CA — Four members of an Inland Empire-based religious group described by investigators as cult-like were arrested on Thursday in connection with the disappearance of a former member last seen nearly two years ago, Redlands police confirmed.

Three of the suspects — Darryl Martin, 58, the leader of "His Way Spirit Led Assemblies;" his wife Shelly "Kat" Martin, 62; and Rudy Moreno, 43 — were arrested on suspicion of murder and additional felony weapons charges, according to the Redlands Police Department and jail records.

A fourth suspect, Kelvin Lee Mackey, 58, was arrested on suspicion of felony possession of a machine gun and ammunition, according to San Bernardino County jail records.

All four arrests are tied to the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Emilio Ghanem, 40, a former member of the group who was reported missing in May 2023, police said.

Shelly Martin is being held without bail at the San Bernardino County West Valley Jail and is due in court on Monday, Dec. 15. Mackey, held at the same facility on $100,000 bail, is also due in court on Monday.

Meanwhile, Darryl Martin and Moreno are being held without the possibility of bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside County. A court date was not available for either inmate.

Investigators began focusing on the Hemet-based His Way Spirit Led Assemblies after uncovering two unexplained vanishings linked to the group: Ghanem in 2023, and another man who went missing in 2019. Additionally, authorities began looking into the death of a toddler, Timothy Thomas, who was in the temporary custody of the Martins when he died.

READ MORE: A Child's Death, 2 Missing Men Linked To IE Religious Group: Police

The pair, who call themselves the Prophetess and Head Pastor of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, were detained in August on illegal weapons charges after police served a search warrant at the Laguna Hills Lodge.

However, Shelly was released shortly after, when she experienced a “medical episode,” the Redlands Police Department announced Wednesday. Martin was also released, and no charges were filed at that time, the Los Angeles Times reported.

His Way Spirit Led Assemblies members previously ran a pest control business — formerly Fullshield, Inc. and now known as Maxguard, where Ghanem once worked before leaving the group shortly before his disappearance.

READ MORE: Hemet Religious Group Investigated After 2 Members Mysteriously Disappear

Police have executed multiple search warrants related to the case, including at locations tied to the group, and have seized illegal firearms and digital evidence, authorities said in earlier reports.

The investigation remains active. Redlands police and county authorities did not disclose details about evidence linking the suspects to Ghanem’s disappearance or whether further arrests are expected.

“This is an ongoing investigation, and I have no further comment,” a Redlands Police Department spokesperson told Patch.

Darryl Martin and Moreno were booked into custody in Riverside County, while Shelly Martin was booked in San Bernardino County, according to jail records.

Two Remain Missing

Ghanem is described as white, with hazel eyes and black hair, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, 130 pounds. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Redlands Police Detective Bureau at 909-551-4424 or by email at missingperson_emilio@redlandspolice.org.

Ruben Moreno, who was 43 years old when he vanished in August 2019, was affiliated with the religious group at the time of his disappearance, according to Claremont police. Earlier this month, the law enforcement agency again released a missing person flyer for Moreno.

Moreno is described as Hispanic, with brown eyes and black hair, 5 feet, 6 inches tall, and weighing 180 pounds. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Claremont Police Department at 909-399-5411.