Colton police say they are reviewing new leads in the 2010 death of a 4-year-old boy who had been placed in the temporary custody of the Inland Empire religious organization known as His Way Spirit Led Assemblies. The development follows reporting that leaders of the group were recently arrested amid broader missing person investigations in Southern California. Read the original coverage from KTLA.
According to law enforcement, the child, Timothy Thomas, died in January 2010. At that time, his birth parents had signed temporary custody over to leaders of the religious group. Police previously sought involuntary manslaughter charges alleging neglect for not seeking prompt medical care. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office declined to file then, citing insufficient evidence. Investigators now say new information has prompted a fresh review. See updates via KCAL/CBS Los Angeles and additional background from the Los Angeles Times.
Authorities also noted that two leaders of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies were arrested in August 2025 on weapons charges after search warrants were served during investigations into the disappearance of former member Emilio Salem Ghanem and a separate case involving Ruben Moreno. Related reports detail the recovery of illegal firearms and electronics during searches. Coverage is developing across outlets including KCAL/CBS Los Angeles, ABC7, and the Los Angeles Times.
KCAL/CBS Los Angeles reports that Colton police specifically referenced the group’s role as temporary custodians when the 4-year-old died and confirmed detectives are evaluating new leads in light of recent developments. The department has not publicly disclosed the nature of the new evidence or whether additional charges are being considered. See their latest report here and brief video update here.
Why this matters for families in California
When a child is placed in the care of a third party, that custodian assumes legal duties related to safety, supervision, and access to timely medical attention. If those duties are breached and harm results, California law allows civil claims that may include negligence and wrongful death, among other theories. Every case turns on the facts, including what symptoms were present, when they appeared, what steps the custodians took, and whether a delay in treatment made the outcome worse.
Law enforcement inquiries and civil accountability often move on separate tracks. A criminal decision not to file charges in 2010 does not necessarily resolve questions about civil liability. The renewed review by Colton police underscores how new witnesses, digital evidence, or parallel investigations can change the posture of a years-old case. Families and former members who may have information can consult with counsel first. If you choose to contact authorities directly, see the latest public updates from KCAL/CBS or check official channels for tips.
Our perspective as a California injury firm
Manoukian Law Firm represents victims and families in serious injury and wrongful death matters. Cases involving custodial neglect, religious or quasi-communal settings, and complex timelines require careful evidence work. That can include obtaining historical medical records, tracking down prior guardianship forms, interviewing former members, and analyzing whether delays in seeking care contributed to the outcome. If you have information related to this matter or a similar situation, you can reach us confidentially through our contact page.
Additional reporting you can reference: KTLA, KCAL/CBS Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times, and ABC7.
