In an unsettling turn of events, former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir and his wife Kristen Muir were arrested on Wednesday. Their 14-year-old son, Bryson, who had been reported missing for two weeks, was found at their home in Logansport, Indiana, during a search by Indiana State Police.
Following a diligent investigation, Bryson was confirmed to be "safe and well" and is now under the care of the Cass County Department of Child Services. Daniel Muir faces charges of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, and obstruction of justice, a felony. Kristen Muir is also facing charges of obstruction of justice.
Beginning of the Investigation
The sequence of events leading to the arrests began on June 16 when Bryson’s grandmother, Cheryl Wright, contacted police in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Wright reported that Bryson was being abused and attributed his injuries to his father. According to Wright, "His face was battered. When I got him, he had a black eye and busted lip. His whole face was swollen. I can only imagine how many times he had been hit in the face for it to be like that."
Detailed Police Efforts
Indiana investigators experienced significant difficulty trying to establish contact with Daniel and Kristen Muir. The couple even backed out of a scheduled meeting with the Indiana State Police an hour before the appointment, raising further suspicions. Consequently, a statewide Silver Alert was issued, indicating that Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance."
On Wednesday at 6 a.m., a police operation was conducted at the Muir's property, known as "Straitway Goshen." The property spans 59 acres and is associated with the extreme religious movement, Straitway Truth Ministry, led by Charles Dowell out of Lafayette, Tennessee. Daniel Muir is identified as the leader of Straitway’s Indiana location. During the operation, multiple people were detained and questioned, but only Daniel and Kristen were arrested.
Background on the Property
The Muir’s property was purchased in March 2020 for $450,000 and is owned by the "Servant Leaders Foundation." The police described the operation as "peaceful." Steven Glass, who commented on the operation, said, "Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson."
Community and Career Notes
Robert Mathis, a former NFL player, confirmed his involvement with Straitway Goshen in a 2020 interview. Daniel Muir’s NFL career spanned from 2008 to 2011, adding a layer of complexity to the public’s perception of the events. Many are left baffled by how a former professional athlete’s life could take such a concerning turn.
The unfolding details continue to intrigue both sports fans and the general public. As the case moves forward, the charges against Daniel and Kristen Muir will be closely scrutinized, and arrangements for Bryson’s future care will undoubtedly be a priority for the authorities involved.