Investigation into Cult-Like Group Leads to Arrests
Two high-ranking members of a group in suburban Palm Springs were arrested on suspicion of murder after the disappearance of one of their own members. The last known sighting of the victim was three years ago at a Starbucks.
The organization, known as the “Spiritually Guided Assembly of His Way,” has been under investigation since May 2023. This came after the former member Emilio Ganem, 40, was reported missing shortly after distancing himself from the group.
Darryl Martin, 58, the alleged leader, and 43-year-old Rudy Moreno were taken into custody at the organization’s headquarters. Both are held without bail on murder and firearms charges.
Police conducted a search at a residence in Hemet, approximately 70 miles from Palm Springs.
The group is led by Martin and his wife, Shelley Bailey “Kat” Martin, who refers to herself as “The Prophetess.” According to media reports, the group was stockpiling food and supplies in anticipation of the end times.
Ganem’s family mentioned that he had been a dedicated member of the organization for two decades. He had initially started a pest control business in Nashville before returning to California to set up another office. Reports indicate that members worked for a pest control firm previously named Fullshield, now called MaxGuard. The company did not provide comments when approached by the media.
Surveillance footage showed Ganem driving a rented Nissan Frontier pickup truck, the last known vehicle associated with him.
Initially treated as a missing person case, concerns grew when, on August 1, 2025, police found Ganem’s truck, leading them to consider the possibility of foul play. Evidence and personal belongings were recovered from the vehicle.
On August 27, Martin and his wife were arrested again. He had faced prior weapons possession charges, though those charges didn’t lead to prosecution. His wife was temporarily released because of a health issue.
There may also be connections between Martin and the death of a child in Colton, as well as the disappearances of the two men.
