Former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir and his wife Kristen Muir found themselves in legal trouble after a series of alarming events that began in mid-June. The couple was arrested on Wednesday following the discovery of their missing 14-year-old son, Bryson, at their residence in Logansport, Indiana.
Bryson Muir Found
Bryson, who had been reported missing for two weeks, was found safe and well. He is currently under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services. The search for him began when his grandmother, Cheryl Wright, contacted police in Garfield Heights, Ohio, on June 16, claiming Bryson was being abused. Wright reported that Bryson confided in her about his injuries, which she attributed 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.
Charges and Arrest
Daniel Muir faces charges of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, and obstruction of justice, a felony. Meanwhile, Kristen Muir is also charged with obstruction of justice. The legal turmoil began when Indiana investigators struggled to establish contact with the couple. They backed out of a scheduled meeting with Indiana State Police an hour before it was supposed to occur, leading to further suspicion.
Subsequently, a statewide Silver Alert was issued, indicating that Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance." The alert prompted an intensive police search operation.
Police Operation
The police operation was conducted at 6 a.m. on Wednesday at the Muirs' expansive 59-acre property known as "Straitway Goshen." The operation was described as "peaceful" by Steven Glass, who was involved in the search. "Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson," Glass stated.
The 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. The Muir's property, purchased in March 2020 for $450,000, is owned by the "Servant Leaders Foundation."
Background and Community Impact
During the operation, multiple individuals were detained and questioned, although only Daniel and Kristen were arrested. Notably, Robert Mathis, another former NFL player, confirmed his involvement with Straitway Goshen during a 2020 interview, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
Daniel Muir's career in the NFL spanned from 2008 to 2011, during which he made a name for himself as a formidable defensive lineman. His transition from the gridiron to leading a religious community adds a twist to a story already laden with serious allegations and legal repercussions.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on Bryson's wellbeing and the legal outcomes for Daniel and Kristen Muir. The sports community, particularly those associated with Indianapolis Colts and the larger NFL, undoubtedly watches with great interest as this troubling chapter unfolds.