A Brother’s Heartfelt Words on Family Struggles After Hemet Religious Leaders Charged in His Sibling’s Death

Family Claims Manipulation by Religious Leaders in Court Case

In a San Bernardino County courtroom on Tuesday, Andre Thomas, Jr., the brother of a boy murdered in 2010, accused the leaders of a Hemet-based religious group of manipulating his family. His remarks came as his father, Andre Thomas, Sr., faces charges of complicity in the death of four-year-old Timothy Thomas.

Darryl and Shelley Martin, leaders of "His Way Spirit Led Assemblies," were charged on Monday in connection with Timothy’s death. Investigators revealed that the Martins gained temporary custody of the boy just a month before he was killed.

Andre Thomas, Jr. stated that his family was victimized by the Martins. "We all went through a lot after this happened," he said. "Our family is still broken." The 19-year-old recalled cherished moments with his younger brother, affectionately known as Timo. "He was the same height as me even though I was 9, and he was 4. He was a big kid. I loved my little brother. Very funny."

Thomas noted that his parents’ separation in 2010 prompted his father to seek assistance from the Martins. "My parents started having marital issues from what I remember," he said. "They were deceived into signing custody over to the pastors because they didn’t know what we were going to do because my parents were breaking up."

While NBC Los Angeles could not verify Thomas’ claims, authorities confirmed that the Martins withheld medical attention from Timothy when he fell ill. Thomas recalled a troubling incident, stating, "I remember when Timothy took a bite of his peanut butter and jelly sandwich, he threw up weird fluid from his body. They told us to start worshipping and turning around in circles and speak in another language."

Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega highlighted the difficulty investigators faced in advancing the case due to the influence of the faith group, but recent evidence led to the arrests. "Shelley and Darryl took an active role in preventing Timo from getting medical treatment, and his father Andrew Thomas was complicit. Timo’s death could have been prevented had he been allowed to get attention for his appendicitis," Vega explained.

Though Andre Thomas, Jr. expressed forgiveness towards the Martins, he firmly holds them responsible for his brother’s death. "I do believe that the pastors are responsible for my brother’s death," he stated.

Authorities have also linked the Martins to the disappearance of Emilio Ghanem, who has been missing since May 2023 in Redlands.

Andre Thomas, Sr. and the Martins are scheduled to appear in court again next week.