Case 1: 2010 Child Murder
Darryl and Shelley Martin, who headed the Hemet‑based “His Way Spirit Led Assemblies,” were arrested in connection with the murder of Timothy Thomas and the alleged involvement in the disappearance and presumed murder of Emilio Ghanem.
The father of the child, Andre Thomas, was also arrested for murder after detectives revealed that the Martins had temporary custody of Timothy just one month before his death in 2010.
Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega said, “Shelley and Darryl took an active role in preventing Timo from getting medical treatment, and his father Andrew Thomas was complicit.”
Vega added that “Timo’s death could have been prevented had he been allowed to get attention for his appendicitis.”
Case 2: 2023 Disappearance
Authorities also allege that the couple is linked to the disappearance of Emilio Ghanem, who was last seen at a Starbucks in Redlands in May 2023.
Redlands Police Chief Rachel Robler said, “Video captured the rented Frontier he was driving in Grand Terrace, and the truck was located abandoned in the Mojave Desert, burned and contained evidence with homicide.”
Investigators stated that Ghanem went missing shortly after he left the faith group that same year, and that his missing‑person case has now been reclassified as a homicide investigation.
Investigative Developments
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office said people close to the cases recently came forward, helping with the couple’s arrests.
San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson said, “The cooperative investigation of many who knew things then are coming to us now.”
Police also said a fourth person was arrested after weapons were found during a search warrant served in connection with the investigation.
Legal and Community Response
The arrests were made after a series of investigations that spanned several years, with the 2010 child murder case resurfacing in the wake of new evidence and witness testimony.
Darryl and Shelley Martin had led “His Way Spirit Led Assemblies” for several years, and the group was based in Hemet, a city within San Bernardino County.
Detectives explained that Andre Thomas relinquished temporary custody of his son to the Martins only one month before Timothy’s death, raising questions about the Martins’ involvement.
The claim that the Martins prevented Timo from receiving medical care points to a failure to seek timely treatment for his appendicitis, a condition that can rapidly become life‑threatening.
Emilio Ghanem was last seen entering a Starbucks in Redlands, a city near Grand Terrace, before disappearing from public view.
The abandoned truck, a rented Frontier, was found burned in the Mojave Desert, and authorities say it contained evidence that could link the Martins to the homicide.
The cooperation of witnesses who were close to the cases has been instrumental, according to the District Attorney, in building the case against the Martins.
If convicted, Darryl and Shelley Martin could face significant prison time under California’s murder statutes, while Andre Thomas could also face similar charges.
Local residents in Hemet and Redlands have expressed shock and sadness over the revelations, with some calling for increased oversight of faith‑based organizations.
The prosecutors plan to file additional charges and will seek a jury trial, while the county will continue to investigate other potential victims linked to the Martins.
Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that new evidence can still bring closure to affected families.
Key Takeaways
- Darryl and Shelley Martin face murder charges in the 2010 death of Timothy Thomas and the 2023 disappearance of Emilio Ghanem.
- Andre Thomas, Timothy’s father, was also arrested after relinquishing temporary custody to the Martins.
- Evidence includes a burned truck and witness testimony, leading to a reclassification of Ghanem’s case as homicide.
The case underscores the importance of timely intervention in child health emergencies and the role of community members in bringing justice to long‑standing crimes.
Hi, I’m Ethan R. Coleman, a dedicated journalist and content creator at newsoflosangeles.com — your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and stories from Los Angeles and beyond.
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