In a shocking development, former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir and his wife Kristen Muir were arrested on Wednesday, after their missing 14-year-old son, Bryson, was found at their home in Logansport, Indiana. The arrest followed after Bryson had been reported missing for two weeks.
The discovery of Bryson came after the Indiana State Police executed a search warrant at the Muirs' residence. Both parents now face serious charges. Daniel Muir is charged with domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, and obstruction of justice, a felony. Kristen Muir is also faced with obstruction of justice charges.
The good news is that Bryson has been confirmed to be "safe and well," currently in the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services.
Timeline of Events
The sequence of events leading to their arrest 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, Bryson confided in her about his injuries, detailing a troubling picture. "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," she said.
Indiana investigators faced challenges establishing contact with Daniel and Kristen Muir. The couple even backed out of a scheduled meeting with Indiana State Police an hour before it was to occur. This evasive behavior led to a statewide Silver Alert being issued, indicating that Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance."
Operation and Arrest
The police operation to recover Bryson and execute the warrants was carried out at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Despite initial concerns, the operation went smoothly. Steven Glass, who described the operation, noted, "Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson." Multiple people were detained and questioned during the operation, yet only Daniel and Kristen were arrested.
The search was conducted on a property spanning 59 acres, known as "Straitway Goshen." This location is linked to the extreme religious movement Straitway Truth Ministry, led by Charles Dowell out of Lafayette, Tennessee. Daniel Muir, as it turns out, is identified as the leader of Straitway's Indiana location.
Straitway Goshen and Muir’s Background
The Muirs purchased the property in March 2020 for $450,000. The ownership is under the "Servant Leaders Foundation." Interestingly, former NFL player Robert Mathis confirmed his involvement with Straitway Goshen in a 2020 interview, shedding light on the intricate network of affiliations within this movement.
Daniel Muir’s NFL career spanned from 2008 to 2011. His years from the football field have now taken an unexpected and grim turn.
Looking Forward
As the investigation continues, more details may emerge about the extent and nature of the incidents that have brought the Muir family into the spotlight. For now, the priority remains to ensure the safety and well-being of Bryson as authorities work on piecing together the full scope of what transpired over these challenging weeks.
This story, centered around a former NFL player, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and hidden struggles that can lie behind public personas, bringing to focus issues that, despite the spotlight of fame, can affect anyone.