Inquiry looks into 'cult-like' group

Police investigate Hemet organization's ties to dead boy and two missing members.

- BY CLARA HARTER AND RICHARD WINTON

DANIEL FLESHER Los Angeles Times

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

The ambulance siren blared down the quiet residential street where a 4-year-old boy was dying.

When police and paramedics arrived at 1521 Latham St. in Colton, they had no clue they were entering the home of a secretive religious group that — years later — would land in the spotlight after two members were reported missing.

Inside the house, police found Timothy Thomas unresponsive with vomit around his mouth, according to an investigative report from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Coroner Division.

The boy, according to Colton Police Sgt. Shawn McFarland, was in the temporary custody of Darryl Muzic Martin and his wife, Shelly Bailey “Kathryn” Martin — leaders of a religious group called His Way Spirit Led Assemblies.

Timothy died on Jan. 16, 2010 — within an hour of the 911 call, according to the coroner’s report.

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

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.