Former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir and his wife Kristen Muir found themselves in legal trouble this week following the discovery of their 14-year-old son, Bryson, who had been missing for two weeks.
Missing Son Found
Bryson was located at the family's residence in Logansport, Indiana, when Indiana State Police executed a search warrant on Wednesday. The boy, who had been reported missing, was confirmed to be "safe and well" and has been placed under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services.
The ordeal began on June 16 when Bryson's grandmother, Cheryl Wright, contacted police in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Wright reported suspected abuse, stating that Bryson had confided in her about his injuries. "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," she revealed.
Charges and Arrests
Following these alarming reports, Indiana investigators struggled to establish contact with Daniel and Kristen. The couple even backed out of a scheduled meeting with state police an hour before it was supposed to take place. This led to a statewide Silver Alert, emphasizing that Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance."
At 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Indiana State Police conducted a peaceful operation, as described by Steven Glass, to search the Muirs' property, a sprawling 59-acre estate known as "Straitway Goshen." The property, purchased in March 2020 for $450,000, is owned by the "Servant Leaders Foundation" and serves as the Indiana location for the Straitway Truth Ministry, an extreme religious movement led by Charles Dowell out of Lafayette, Tennessee. Daniel Muir is identified as the leader of this location.
Multiple individuals were detained and questioned during the operation, 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.
Investigative Struggles
The search for Bryson had stalled due to difficulties in communicating with the Muirs. Despite early leads, the parents' uncooperative behavior added layers of complexity to the case. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the Silver Alert and Wright’s distressing account of her grandson's injuries.
Despite these challenges, the swift action of the state police ensured that Bryson was found unhurt. "Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson," Steven Glass commented on the operation's outcome.
Community and NFL Connections
The large property, Straitway Goshen, has drawn attention not only due to the recent events but also because of its association with the extreme religious group. In a 2020 interview, Robert Mathis, another former NFL player, confirmed his involvement with Straitway Goshen, pointing to its notable connections within the sports community.
Daniel Muir’s NFL career stretched from 2008 to 2011, a period during which he made a name for himself as a formidable defensive lineman. His post-NFL life took an unexpected turn with this latest involvement with the law and his leadership role within the Straitway Truth Ministry.
Moving Forward
As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on Bryson's well-being. His current placement with child services promises safety and support as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to his disappearance and subsequent discovery.
This case has brought to light not only the personal struggles within the Muir family but also the broader implications of child welfare and the influence of religious extremism in secluded communities. As more details emerge, the sports world and the public at large await further developments in this troubling and complex story.