REDLANDS, CA – A third suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the suspected murder of a Tennessee man who vanished nearly three years ago after leaving a cult-like religious organization in Southern California.
Ramon Ruiz Duran Jr., 44, was arrested Monday in Tennessee and transported to California to face charges in the disappearance and presumed death of Emilio Salem Ghanem, who hasn’t been seen since May 25, 2023.
Ghanem, who was 40 years old at the time, had recently quit a religious group called “His Way Spirit Led Assemblies” before he went missing. Authorities believe he was killed by leaders and members of the organization he’d just left behind.
The last confirmed sighting of Ghanem was at a Starbucks on East Redlands Boulevard. His rented pickup truck was later discovered burned in the Mojave Desert, according to police.
Two other suspects were arrested late last year. Darryl Muzic Martin, described as a leader of the group, and Rudy Moreno, 43, a high-ranking member, both face charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
A former member of the organization described its inner workings to investigators. The group was tightly controlled by Martin and 62-year-old Shelly Bailey “Kat” Martin, who held the title of “prophetess” within the organization.
Members believed the prophetess served as God’s voice on Earth, the former member said. When she supposedly channeled divine messages, everything about her would change – her voice, her mannerisms – and everyone was required to remain silent.
Investigators haven’t disclosed what role Duran allegedly played in the group or in Ghanem’s death. Like the other suspects, he faces charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Duran is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $1 million bail. He appeared in San Bernardino Superior Court on Friday.
Ghanem’s body has not been recovered. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Redlands Police Department.
