Group's ties to dead boy, 2 missing men are investigated

McFarland described the group as “cult-like,” echoing language from the coroner’s report.

- 

OFFICIALS raided the Hemet base of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies in August.

(DANIEL FLESHEr Los Angeles Times)

He added that the Martins were “imposing excessive control.” Members would hand over their income to the couple, who doled it out as they saw fit, he said.

In social media and YouTube videos, Darryl Martin identifies himself as the group’s pastor, while Kathryn Martin refers to herself as a prophetess and gifted oracle. The group’s videos showcase an all-night prayer shut-in and emotional religious songs performed by the pastor.

In August, Redlands police raided a Hemet home believed to be used by the group, and recovered ghost guns and automatic rifles, according to department spokesperson Carl Baker. Redlands police also detained the Martins this summer, but no charges have been filed against the couple.

The Martins did not respond to a request for comment, nor did an attorney who has previously represented group members. No one responded to messages sent to email addresses, phone numbers and social media accounts associated with His Way Spirit Led Assemblies. No one answered the door when The Times visited the Hemet home.

Timothy’s cause of death was ruled to be septic shock due to a ruptured appendix, according to the coroner’s report. Detectives suspect neglect also played a role, McFarland said.

Police recommended charges against Darryl and Kathryn Martin in 2010, but the San Bernardino County district attorney’s office declined to file any.

At the time, group members were uncooperative with the investigation and gave conflicting testimony, making it challenging to prosecute the case, according to McFarland.

Several members have since parted ways with the group and recently revised their statements to Colton police, saying that their original testimony was made under duress from the group’s leaders, McFarland said.