The December takedown in Redlands follows earlier weapons seizures, digital forensics and two unresolved missing-persons cases.
HEMET, Calif. — Two members of a Hemet-area religious group, including its leader, were arrested on suspicion of murder Wednesday as detectives widened an investigation that began with a 2023 disappearance and grew into a months-long inquiry spanning several Southern California cities.
The arrests center on His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, a small, insular organization that police and former associates have described as cult-like. Investigators say the group’s footprint touches Hemet, Redlands, Laguna Hills and rural properties in Riverside County. The case gained momentum in August when officers seized illegal firearms and electronic devices during coordinated searches. Detectives have since reviewed data, re-interviewed witnesses and examined prior reports into two missing people with ties to the group. Authorities say newly developed evidence supported Wednesday’s murder bookings, though formal charges had not been announced as of Thursday.
Police identified those arrested as Darryl Martin, 58, the organization’s leader, and Rudy Moreno, 43, described as a high-ranking member. They were taken into custody in Redlands and booked into jail on suspicion of murder. The development follows searches this summer at the Laguna Hills Lodge — where Martin and his wife were arrested on weapons counts — and at homes in Hemet and Anza, where officers reported finding converted automatic rifles, short-barreled rifles and unserialized firearms. Detectives also seized laptops, phones and storage devices for forensic review. “This investigation has been deliberate and methodical,” a Redlands official said earlier in the probe. “We’re working with multiple agencies to follow every lead.”
The missing-person cases that first drew scrutiny include the disappearance of former member Emilio Salem Ghanem, 40, last seen in May 2023 after stopping at a Starbucks in Redlands. Police previously said his case is being investigated as a potential homicide. Detectives later disclosed they were coordinating with another city after learning a second person linked to the group had been reported missing in 2019. Authorities have not said whether Wednesday’s arrests are tied to either case, nor have they identified a homicide victim. Friends of Ghanem told reporters he had distanced himself from the group and was working in pest control before he vanished. The group’s business activities, including a pest-control company later operating under a different name, have been part of the police timeline.
Neighbors described steady law enforcement presence around several addresses over the past four months. In Hemet, residents said unmarked vehicles were often parked near a house associated with members. In Redlands, a shop owner near a prior search scene recalled seeing officers carry out boxes of electronics. “You could tell they were careful, labeling everything,” said Daniel Rocha, who runs a small repair store nearby. In Anza, a rural community east of Temecula, residents said helicopters circled during one daytime operation. Officials said no injuries were reported during any of the searches or Wednesday’s arrests.
Prosecutors will decide whether to file charges after reviewing the latest batch of reports, lab results and digital extractions. If a complaint is filed, the defendants could be arraigned early next week, barring delays for additional testing or discovery. Detectives said they expect to serve follow-up warrants for cloud accounts, analyze ballistics tied to the seized weapons and broaden interviews with former followers who have recently come forward. Officials also plan to coordinate with regional task forces, given the case’s overlap with prior investigations in San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties.
The organization has held gatherings in homes and rented spaces, according to former members and city records. Ex-attendees described long prayer sessions, strict deference to leaders and stockpiled food, water and gear. Police have not commented on internal practices, saying the focus remains on potential crimes. A Hemet resident who asked to be identified by her last name said the neighborhood has been on edge. “People just want answers and for the truth to come out,” said Ramirez. “We’ve had patrols drive by more often lately.”
As of Thursday night, Martin and Moreno remained jailed while prosecutors reviewed the case for possible filing decisions. Detectives said the next significant update will come when charging determinations are made or when additional searches are complete.
Author note: Last updated December 12, 2025.