On Wednesday, former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir and his wife Kristen Muir were arrested after their missing son Bryson was discovered at their home in Logansport, Indiana. Bryson, who had been reported missing for two weeks, was found safe and well during an early morning police operation. The arrest comes amid concerns of abuse and accusations from family members.
A Troubling Report
The sequence of events leading to the arrest began on June 16 when Bryson Muir's grandmother, Cheryl Wright, contacted police in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Wright reported that Bryson had been subjected to abuse and attributed his injuries to 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 recounted.
Intensive Investigation
This disturbing report prompted Indiana State Police to launch an investigation. However, efforts to establish contact with Daniel and Kristen Muir proved to be challenging. The couple had even backed out of a scheduled meeting with investigators an hour before it was set to take place, raising further suspicions. Subsequently, a statewide Silver Alert was issued, indicating that Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance."
Early Morning Operation
At 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Indiana State Police executed a search warrant at the Muir residence, a sprawling 59-acre property known as "Straitway Goshen." The operation, described as "peaceful" by Steven Glass, resulted in the detention and questioning of multiple individuals. However, only Daniel and Kristen were arrested. "Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson," Glass confirmed.
Charges Filed
Daniel Muir now 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. In the meantime, Bryson has been placed under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services, ensuring his safety during this tumultuous time.
A Complex Situation
The Muir property 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, having purchased the property in March 2020 for $450,000 under the name "Servant Leaders Foundation."
Connections to the NFL Community
Daniel Muir's NFL career spanned from 2008 to 2011, playing prominently for the Indianapolis Colts. His connections within the NFL community are noteworthy, with former NFL player Robert Mathis confirming his involvement with Straitway Goshen in a 2020 interview. This revelation adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding the Muir family and their affiliations.
As this story continues to develop, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of Bryson Muir while legal proceedings take their course. The intersection of sports, family, and extreme beliefs has cast a spotlight on a case that raises difficult questions and widespread concern.