Hemet Religious Group Leaders Charged in 2010 Murder of 4‑Year‑Old San Bernardino Boy

On Tuesday, a San Bernardino County father appeared in court after being accused of complicity in the 2010 murder of his 4‑year‑old son, Timothy Thomas.

Court Appearance and Charges

The father, Andre Thomas, Sr., was charged Monday alongside his wife, Shelley Martin, and husband Darryl Martin, who lead the religious organization “His Way Spirit Led Assemblies.” Investigators said the Martins had taken temporary custody of Timothy one month before his death, and both parents were charged with murder.

Family Testimony

Timothy’s older brother, Andre Thomas, Jr., told the court that the family had been manipulated by the Martins. “We all went through a lot after this happened,” he said. “Our family is still broken.”

Thomas, who was nine when his brother died, recalled that his parents had separated in 2010 and that his father had sought help from the Martins group. “My parents started having marital issues from what I remember,” he claimed. “They were deceived into signing custody over to the pastors because they don’t know what we were going to do because my parents were breaking up.”

Investigative Findings

Authorities confirmed that the Martins denied Timothy medical attention when he became ill. Thomas remembered the incident: “When Timothy took a bite of his peanut butter and jelly sandwich he threw up weird fluid from his body,” he recalled. He said the pastors told them to worship, turn in circles, and speak in another language, which he could not understand.

Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega said the faith group’s actions made the case difficult to pursue, but new evidence led to the arrests. “Shelley and Darryl took an active role in preventing Timo from getting medical treatment and his father Andrew Thomas was complicit. Timo’s death could have been prevented had he been allowed to get attention for his appendicitis,” Vega stated.

Additional Allegations

Andre Jr. added that he has forgiven the Martins but still holds them responsible for his brother’s death: “I do believe that the pastors are responsible for my brother’s death,” he said. Police also alleged that the Martins are linked to the disappearance of Emilio Ghanem, who was last seen in Redlands in May 2023.

Both Andre Thomas, Sr. and the pastors are scheduled to return to court next week.

Key Takeaways

• Darryl and Shelley Martin, leaders of “His Way Spirit Led Assemblies,” face murder charges linked to Timothy Thomas’s death.
• Family members allege the Martins denied medical care and manipulated custody arrangements.
• Police have tied the group to the disappearance of Emilio Ghanem.

The case underscores the challenges authorities face when investigating crimes involving religious organizations and highlights ongoing concerns about child safety and custody decisions.