Former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir and his wife Kristen Muir were arrested Wednesday morning in connection with a troubling series of events involving their missing 14-year-old son, Bryson. The arrest, which took place at their home in Logansport, Indiana, marked the culmination of a tense, two-week search for the teenager. The case took a serious turn when domestic abuse allegations surfaced and a statewide Silver Alert was issued, signaling that Bryson might be in extreme danger and requiring medical assistance.
Discovery and Arrest
Bryson, reported missing by his grandmother Cheryl Wright, was found at the Muir's residence when Indiana State Police executed a search warrant early Wednesday. Bryson had been missing for two weeks, leading to heightened concern about his wellbeing.
Wright had initially reported Bryson’s disappearance to police in Garfield Heights, Ohio, on June 16, attributing his absence to alleged abuse by his father. "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 described, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Following the search of the 59-acre property known as "Straitway Goshen," Daniel Muir was charged with domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, and obstruction of justice, a felony. Kristen Muir also faces a charge of obstruction of justice. The operation itself was conducted at 6 a.m. and was described by Indiana State Police spokesperson Steven Glass as "peaceful." "Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson," Glass added.
Bryson was confirmed to be "safe and well" and is currently under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services. The investigation indicated a concerted effort by the authorities to establish contact with Daniel and Kristen, who reportedly backed out of a scheduled meeting with the Indiana State Police an hour before it was set to occur.
Connections to Straitway Truth Ministry
The search and arrest unfolded at Muir’s property, 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. The sprawling property, purchased in March 2020 for $450,000, is owned by the "Servant Leaders Foundation." During the operation, multiple individuals were detained and questioned, but only Daniel and Kristen were arrested. Robert Mathis, another former NFL player, confirmed his involvement with Straitway Goshen in a 2020 interview, shedding light on its network and influence.
Background and Career
Daniel Muir’s NFL career, though relatively brief, saw him make a notable impact on the field. Playing from 2008 to 2011, he was part of the Colts’ defensive line, contributing to the team’s significant plays and defensive strategies. His post-NFL life, however, has now been marred by these serious allegations, casting a shadow over his prior achievements in professional football.
This incident has captured the attention of both sports fans and the general public, not only due to Muir's previous NFL career but also because of the alarming nature of the allegations and the involvement of a prominent religious group. As the legal process unfolds, more details will undoubtedly come to light, providing further context to this deeply unsettling case.