Former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir and his wife Kristen Muir were arrested on Wednesday following an investigation into the disappearance of their 14-year-old son, Bryson, who was found at their home in Logansport, Indiana.
A Two-Week Search Ends
Bryson had been reported missing for two weeks, setting off a series of events that culminated in a search warrant executed by Indiana State Police. Upon being found, Bryson was confirmed to be "safe and well" and is currently under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services.
Domestic Charges and Allegations
The arrests were precipitated by charges of domestic battery and obstruction of justice against Daniel Muir, while Kristen Muir faces a charge of obstruction of justice. The sequence of events leading to their arrest began on June 16, when Bryson's grandmother, Cheryl Wright, contacted police in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Wright reported that Bryson was being abused 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.
The Search and Arrest
Indiana investigators struggled to establish contact with Daniel and Kristen Muir, who backed out of a scheduled meeting with Indiana State Police just an hour before the appointment. A statewide Silver Alert was subsequently issued, indicating that Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance." The police operation on Wednesday was conducted at 6 a.m., described as "peaceful" by Steven Glass, who stated, "Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson."
Straitway Goshen: A Deeper Backdrop
The operation took place on a sprawling 59-acre property known as "Straitway Goshen." 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 property, purchased in March 2020 for $450,000, is owned by the "Servant Leaders Foundation."
During the operation, multiple people were detained and questioned, although only Daniel and Kristen Muir were arrested. Robert Mathis, another former NFL player, confirmed his involvement with Straitway Goshen in a 2020 interview, underscoring the links between these notable sports figures and the religious community.
Daniel Muir's NFL Legacy
Daniel Muir’s NFL career spanned from 2008 to 2011, a period during which he established himself as a solid defensive lineman. His recent arrest marks a stark contrast to his professional career and brings to light troubling allegations that have shocked both the sports and local communities.
The investigation continues, as authorities piece together the events that led to Bryson’s reported abuse and eventual discovery. The broader implications of this case, particularly with its connections to a religious movement, remain a subject of keen public interest and scrutiny.