What is the His Way Spirit Led Assemblies group?

His Way Spirit Led Assemblies is a secretive, 'cult-like' religious group based in Hemet, California, led by Darryl and Shelly Martin.

Who has been arrested in connection with the disappearances?

Six senior figures, including leaders Darryl Martin, Shelly Martin, and member Rudy Moreno, have been arrested for murder and weapons charges.

What other investigations are linked to the Martins?

Authorities have reopened the 2010 death of a four-year-old boy in their custody, now suspecting neglect.

Home / Crime and Justice / Cult Leaders Charged in Member Disappearances

Cult Leaders Charged in Member Disappearances

13 Dec

•

Summary

Six leaders of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies arrested December 11.
Charges include murder amid investigations into two members' disappearances.
Authorities also reopened a 2010 child death case for suspected neglect.

Cult Leaders Charged in Member Disappearances

Six senior figures within the Southern California religious group His Way Spirit Led Assemblies have been arrested and charged with murder. The December 11 arrests are linked to investigations into the disappearances of two members, Emilio Ghanem and Ruben Moreno, who went missing years apart. Leaders Darryl Muzic Martin and Shelly Bailey 'Kathryn' Martin, along with high-ranking member Rudy Moreno, were among those charged with murder.

Authorities have also reopened the 2010 death investigation of a four-year-old boy who died while in the Martins' custody from a ruptured appendix. While initially ruled accidental, neglect is now suspected, with prosecutors considering child homicide or murder charges. Former members describe the group as tightly controlled, with the Martins believed to embody divine spirits, and the group hoarding survival supplies.

Raids on group properties uncovered significant caches of illegal firearms, including converted automatic rifles and ghost guns. The investigation into the disappearances intensified after evidence suggesting homicide was found with Emilio Ghanem's recovered truck in August 2025. The group's pest control business also issued a cease-and-desist to Ghanem prior to his disappearance.