Cult-Like Church Leader Accused of Murder Claimed God Spoke Through Her

Kelli Byrd testified that Shelley Bailey 'Kat' Martin, who led a religious group in California, said she had the 'gift of prophecy' and referred to herself as 'Prophetess Kathryn'.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A former member of a 'cult-like' religious group in California testified that the group's leader, Shelley Bailey 'Kat' Martin, claimed God spoke directly through her. Kelli Byrd said Martin told churchgoers she had the 'gift of prophecy' and referred to herself as 'Prophetess Kathryn', delivering messages she claimed were from God. Martin and several others have been charged with murder in connection with the deaths of two former members.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential dangers of religious groups with authoritarian leadership structures and unquestioning followers. The allegations of Martin claiming divine authority and controlling members' daily lives raise concerns about the psychological manipulation and exploitation that can occur in such 'cult-like' environments. The tragic deaths of two former members underscore the need for greater oversight and accountability of religious organizations.

The details

According to the testimony, Martin would go into a trance-like state and speak in a 'deep and low' voice when delivering messages she claimed were directly from God. Former member Anthony Duran said Martin told the congregation she 'carried the spirit' and was comparable to 'God' in their group. Duran also alleged the church heavily controlled members' lives, dictating where they could go and what they could read.

  • On February 5, 2026, Kelli Byrd testified against Shelley Bailey 'Kat' Martin in court.
  • In December 2025, Martin and several others were arrested and charged with murder in connection with the deaths of two former members, Timothy Thomas in 2010 and Emilio Ghanem in 2023.

The players

Shelley Bailey 'Kat' Martin

The leader of the 'cult-like' religious group His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, who claimed to have the 'gift of prophecy' and referred to herself as 'Prophetess Kathryn'.

Kelli Byrd

A former member of the His Way Spirit Led Assemblies congregation who testified against Martin in court.

Anthony Duran

Another former member of the His Way Spirit Led Assemblies group who alleged the church heavily controlled members' lives.

Timothy Thomas

A 4-year-old former member who died a 'very painful death' after his appendix ruptured while staying with Martin and her husband in 2010.

Emilio Ghanem

A former member who disappeared in 2023 and was later found dead, with two individuals arrested in connection with his alleged murder.

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What they’re saying

“Her body would start thrashing and her voice would become deep and low as she shared 'a word from the throne of God,'”

— Kelli Byrd, Former congregation member (usmagazine.com)

“You had no choice in anything. You can't go here. You can't go there. You can only go to work and come home.”

— Anthony Duran, Former congregation member (The Los Angeles Times)

“The recent arrests connected to the disappearance of Mr. Emilio Ghanem represent the persistence and dedication of the Redlands Police Department's investigators and our law enforcement partners. I also wish to extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Ghanem's family and friends. They have faced an incredibly difficult situation and the progression from hope to heartbreak over the past two years as this case has moved from a missing person to a homicide investigation. Our hearts are with them during this difficult time.”

— Rachel Tolber, Redlands Police Chief (usmagazine.com)

What’s next

Kat Martin's next court date has not been publicly announced, but the case is ongoing as she and several others face murder charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for psychological manipulation and exploitation within authoritarian religious groups, and the tragic consequences that can result when leaders claim divine authority over their followers. It underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability of such organizations to protect vulnerable individuals.