Daniel Muir Arrested Alongside Wife; Missing Son Found Safe
Former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir was arrested on Wednesday, alongside his wife Kristen Muir, in a dramatic turn of events. The couple's missing 14-year-old son, Bryson, who had been reported missing for two weeks, was found safe at their home in Logansport, Indiana.
The arrest follows a troubling series of allegations and evasive behavior that began mid-June. On June 16, Bryson’s grandmother, Cheryl Wright, contacted police in Garfield Heights, Ohio, reporting that Bryson was being abused and attributing 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 told authorities.
Despite the alarming report, Indiana investigators faced significant challenges in establishing contact with Daniel and Kristen Muir. The couple even backed out of a scheduled meeting with Indiana State Police just an hour before the appointment, adding to the tension and uncertainty surrounding the situation.
In response to these concerns, a statewide Silver Alert was issued, indicating that Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance." This critical alert ultimately led to the execution of a search warrant on the Muir residence by Indiana State Police on Wednesday morning. The operation, conducted at 6 a.m., was described as "peaceful" by Steven Glass, a representative present at the scene. "Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson," Glass confirmed.
The property searched spans a substantial 59 acres and is known as "Straitway Goshen." It 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. The ownership of the property is under the "Servant Leaders Foundation."
During the search, multiple individuals were detained and questioned, but only Daniel and Kristen Muir were arrested. Daniel faces charges of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, and obstruction of justice, a felony. Kristen is also charged with obstruction of justice.
In a twist that adds yet another layer to this complex story, Robert Mathis, a former NFL player, had previously confirmed his involvement with Straitway Goshen in a 2020 interview. Daniel Muir’s own NFL career spanned from 2008 to 2011, a time during which he was known for his formidable presence on the defensive line.
Bryson, who has now been confirmed to be "safe and well," is currently under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services. The unfolding of these events has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the community, raising questions about the intersection of athletics, personal conduct, and religious leadership.
As this story continues to develop, the sports world watches closely, reminded once again that the lives of athletes off the field can be as tumultuous as their careers on it.