Former Colts Defensive Lineman and Wife Arrested Amidst Serious Allegations
In a shocking turn of events, former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir and his wife Kristen Muir were both arrested on Wednesday in Logansport, Indiana.
The arrest follows the mysterious disappearance of their 14-year-old son, Bryson Muir, who had been reported missing for two weeks. The Indiana State Police executed a search warrant at the Muir residence, ultimately finding Bryson at home. Bryson's safety has since been confirmed, and he is currently under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services.
Daniel Muir is now facing charges of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, along with a felony charge of obstruction of justice. His wife Kristen also faces a charge of obstruction of justice. The sequence of events leading to their arrest began on June 16 when Cheryl Wright, Bryson's grandmother, contacted police in Garfield Heights, Ohio.
Concerns from Bryson’s Grandmother
Wright reported that Bryson had confided in her about suffering abuse at the hands of his father. She told law enforcement that Bryson had visible injuries, describing a troubling scene. "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," said Wright.
Indiana investigators encountered difficulties in contacting both Daniel and Kristen Muir. The couple even backed out of a scheduled meeting with Indiana State Police an hour before the appointment. Given the gravity of the situation, a statewide Silver Alert was issued for Bryson, indicating that he might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance."
The police operation to locate Bryson was conducted at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Describing the operation, Steven Glass stated, "Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson."
The Role of Straitway Truth Ministry
The search and subsequent arrests took place on a sprawling 59-acre property known as "Straitway Goshen." This property is associated with the extreme religious movement known as Straitway Truth Ministry, led by Charles Dowell out of Lafayette, Tennessee. Notably, Daniel Muir is identified as the leader of Straitway’s Indiana location.
The Muirs acquired the property in March 2020 for $450,000, under the ownership of the "Servant Leaders Foundation." During the operation, multiple individuals were detained and questioned; however, only Daniel and Kristen were arrested.
It’s worth noting that another former NFL player, Robert Mathis, confirmed his involvement with Straitway Goshen in a 2020 interview.
Career and Legal Troubles
Daniel Muir's NFL career spanned from 2008 to 2011. His time on the field was marked by robust performances, but these recent allegations cast a grim shadow over his post-football endeavors.
The unfolding events have raised numerous questions about the family dynamics and the potential influence of the religious group they are associated with. While Bryson’s immediate safety has been ensured, the legal and social implications of this case are still unfolding.