Former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir and his wife, Kristen Muir, found themselves in the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week. Both were arrested on Wednesday after a tumultuous series of events involving their missing 14-year-old son, Bryson Muir.
A Two-Week Ordeal
Bryson Muir had been reported missing for two weeks before he was found at the family’s residence in Logansport, Indiana. His return prompted relief but also brought forward serious allegations surrounding his disappearance and treatment.
Bryson’s grandmother, Cheryl Wright, was instrumental in setting off the chain of events leading to the arrests. On June 16, Wright contacted police in Garfield Heights, Ohio, reporting that Bryson had been abused. Her account of her grandson’s physical state was harrowing. "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," Wright detailed.
Complex Police Operations
The investigation to locate Bryson was far from straightforward. Indiana State Police had trouble establishing contact with Daniel and Kristen Muir. The couple had even backed out of a scheduled meeting with authorities just an hour before it was supposed to take place. Due to the urgency of the matter, a statewide Silver Alert was issued, indicating that Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance."
The police operation that eventually led to the arrests was executed early Wednesday morning. Steven Glass, who provided some details about the operation, described it as "peaceful." Multiple individuals at the property, known as "Straitway Goshen," were detained and questioned, but only Daniel and Kristen Muir were arrested.
Allegations and Charges
Daniel Muir faces charges of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, and obstruction of justice, a felony. Kristen Muir also faces a charge of obstruction of justice. Despite the severity of the charges, Bryson is reportedly "safe and well" and is currently under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services.
Straitway Truth Ministry Connection
The background of the property where Bryson was found adds another layer of complexity to this case. The 59-acre property is associated with the extremist religious movement, Straitway Truth Ministry, headed by Charles Dowell from Lafayette, Tennessee. Daniel Muir is identified as the leader of Straitway’s Indiana location. The property, purchased for $450,000 in March 2020, is under the ownership of the "Servant Leaders Foundation."
Robert Mathis, a former NFL player and colleague of Daniel Muir, confirmed his involvement with Straitway Goshen in a 2020 interview, further cementing the high-profile connections involved in this surprising story.
A Former NFL Career in the Spotlight
Daniel Muir’s professional football career spanned from 2008 to 2011, where he played for the Indianapolis Colts. It’s a stark contrast to his recent arrest, bringing into question the circumstances that led a former NFL player and his spouse to face such serious allegations.
For now, the sports community watches closely as legal proceedings unfold. Steven Glass reassured the public that amidst the intense situation, "ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson."