Former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir was arrested on Wednesday, along with his wife Kristen Muir, following the discovery of their missing 14-year-old son, Bryson, at their home in Logansport, Indiana. This development comes two weeks after Bryson was reported missing, raising questions about domestic issues within the former NFL player's household.
Indiana State Police executed a search warrant on the Muir's residence, leading to the pair's arrest. Daniel faces charges of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, and obstruction of justice, a felony. Kristen faces a charge of obstruction of justice as well. Authorities have confirmed that Bryson is "safe and well" and is currently under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services.
The sequence of events leading to their arrest began on June 16 when Bryson's grandmother, Cheryl Wright, contacted police in Garfield Heights, Ohio. She reported that her grandson was being abused, an accusation that intensified concerns for Bryson’s wellbeing. Wright disclosed that Bryson had confided in her, attributing his injuries to his father. She emphasized the severity of his condition, saying, "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 had initially taken Bryson to her home to protect him, but Kristen Muir later arrived and left with Bryson, prompting Wright to call the police. Authorities acted swiftly, stopping Kristen's vehicle, but Bryson was not found inside. Indiana investigators then struggled to establish contact with Daniel and Kristen. On June 28, the couple agreed to meet with the Indiana State Police, bringing Bryson with them. However, they backed out an hour before the scheduled meeting, prompting a statewide Silver Alert. The alert indicated that Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance."
The police operation on Wednesday, conducted at 6 a.m., was described as "peaceful" by Steven Glass, who noted, "Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson." A considerable police presence, including three SWAT teams, detectives, K9 units, and a bomb squad, was prepared to search multiple buildings on the property located at 1740 W. US Highway 24. The property is known as "Straitway Goshen," associated with the extreme religious movement, Straitway Truth Ministry, a Hebrew Israelite group led by Charles Dowell out of Lafayette, Tennessee.
Daniel Muir has been identified as the leader of Straitway’s Indiana location, going by the title "Pastor." He frequently posts updates about the construction of new buildings at the Logansport site on YouTube, reflecting his active role within the community. The property spans 59 acres, purchased in March 2020 for $450,000, and is now owned by the "Servant Leaders Foundation". While it is known that Daniel’s family lives there, he has been reticent about whether other families who attend Straitway Goshen services also reside on the property.
The Wednesday operation saw multiple people detained and questioned, but only Daniel and Kristen were arrested. Among the congregation members is another notable former NFL player, Robert Mathis, who confirmed his involvement with Straitway Goshen in a 2020 interview.
Daniel Muir’s NFL career spanned from 2008 to 2011, during which he played as a defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts. His post-football life, however, has taken a complex turn, entwining professional sports, familial issues, and controversies related to religious affiliations.
Cheryl Wright’s actions highlight the duty of care extended family members often need to assume in troubling circumstances. Her quick decisions and subsequent report were pivotal in bringing the situation to the attention of authorities and ensuring Bryson’s safety.
These events are a stark reminder of how athletes, despite their public personas and past triumphs, may still face significant personal challenges. It also underscores the vital role of community and state agencies in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring Bryson’s continued safety and addressing the charges placed against his parents.