Former NFL player Daniel Muir, who is well known for his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts, was arrested along with his wife Kristen Muir on Wednesday. This arrest followed the discovery of their 14-year-old son, Bryson, who had been missing for two weeks, at their home in Logansport, Indiana.
Details of the Incident
Bryson was reported missing two weeks prior to his discovery. His grandmother, Cheryl Wright, reached out to authorities in Garfield Heights, Ohio, expressing grave concerns about her grandson’s well-being. She reported that Bryson had confided in her about being abused, specifically 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.
Efforts to contact Daniel and Kristen by Indiana investigators proved futile. The couple even canceled a scheduled meeting with the Indiana State Police an hour before the appointed time. Given the severity of the situation, a statewide Silver Alert was issued, indicating that Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance."
Search and Arrest
On the morning of the arrest, Indiana State Police executed a search warrant at 6 a.m. at the Muir's 59-acre property, known as "Straitway Goshen." The operation was described as "peaceful" by Steven Glass, who oversees such operations.
"Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson," Glass stated.
The property in Logansport has ties to the extreme religious movement Straitway Truth Ministry, led by Charles Dowell out of Lafayette, Tennessee. Daniel Muir is identified as the leader of the movement's Indiana location, receiving significant attention for this alignment. Muir's property, which was purchased for $450,000 in March 2020, is owned by the "Servant Leaders Foundation."
During the police operation, multiple individuals on the premises were detained and questioned, though only Daniel and Kristen were arrested. Daniel Muir faces charges of domestic battery, classified as a Class A misdemeanor, and obstruction of justice, a felony. Kristen Muir also faces a charge of obstruction of justice.
Bryson's Current Status
Following the operation, authorities confirmed that Bryson is "safe and well." He is currently under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services to ensure his safety and well-being moving forward.
NFL Career and Aftermath
Daniel Muir’s career in the NFL spanned from 2008 to 2011, during which time he played as a defensive lineman for the Indianapolis Colts. Many NFL fans and former teammates expressed their dismay at the current situation, recalling Muir’s contributions on the field.
Robert Mathis, another former NFL player, had previously spoken about his affiliation with the Straitway Goshen movement in a 2020 interview, highlighting the close-knit connections within the group.
The shocking details of the investigation have cast a shadow over Muir's post-NFL endeavors, revealing a reality far removed from his days as a professional athlete. As the legal proceedings unfold, the sports community and the general public will be watching closely, particularly to ensure Bryson's continued safety.