Police reopened the death investigation of a detained 4-year-old boy two weeks after arresting leaders of a cult in the Inland Empire.
On Thursday, the Colton Police Department announced it would review new prospects and actively investigate the death of 4-year-old Timothy Thomas in January 2010.
“At the time of his death, Timothy Thomas’ temporary custody signed from his biological parents as his spiritual leader,” the department said in a press release.
Authorities said on August 14, authorities arrested a couple who runs a Hemet-based religious group as part of an ongoing investigation into one of the groups’ suspicious disappearances and homicides.
Darryl Muzic Martin, 57, and his wife “Prophet” Shelly Bailey Martin, 62, were arrested because the investigation by the Redlands Police Department is still under investigation. Police are also looking for men associated with the group missing in 2017.
The couple was arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal weapons. Both of them are now in custody and are not charged.
Ghanem disappeared shortly after separating from religious groups and opening a pest control company that competes with businesses run by group leaders. Earlier this year, Redlands police said they found that the last rental car he saw “there is other evidence”.
His disappearance is investigated as a potential homicide, according to Redland City spokesman Carl Baker.
According to police, Redlands police are assisting Clermont police in investigating the disappearance of Perris resident Ruben Moreno, who is also affiliated with his spiritual leadership approach. Claremont police said that Moreno was last at the Claremont home that once gathered in December 2017 at a Claremont home.
