Former Colts Lineman Daniel Muir and Wife Arrested Amid Child Abuse Allegations
In a shocking turn of events, former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir was arrested on Wednesday, alongside his wife Kristen Muir, amid a series of alarming accusations and a high-profile search for their missing son, Bryson.
Their 14-year-old son was found at their home in Logansport, Indiana, after being reported missing for two weeks. Indiana State Police executed a search warrant at the Muir residence, leading to the apprehension of both parents. Daniel faces charges of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, and obstruction of justice, a felony. Kristen is charged with obstruction of justice.
Bryson, who had been at the center of a statewide search, is now confirmed to be "safe and well" and is under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services. The sequence of events that led to the parents' arrest began on June 16, when Bryson's grandmother, Cheryl Wright, contacted police in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Wright reported that Bryson had confided in her about the abuse he was suffering at the hands of 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 disclosed in an emotional recount of her grandson's condition.
Efforts by Indiana investigators to establish contact with Daniel and Kristen were met with significant hurdles. The couple canceled a scheduled meeting with Indiana State Police just an hour before it was to occur. As a result, a statewide Silver Alert was issued, indicating Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance."
The police operation to recover Bryson and arrest his parents was conducted at 6 a.m. Steven Glass, who was involved in the operation, described it as peaceful. "Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson," Glass confirmed.
The Muir property, known as "Straitway Goshen," spans 59 acres and has ties to the extreme religious movement, the 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 was purchased in March 2020 for $450,000 and is owned by the "Servant Leaders Foundation."
During the police operation, multiple individuals were detained and questioned, but only Daniel and Kristen were arrested. It remains unclear what led to the delays in executing the search warrant or if any other charges will be filed in connection with this case.
Daniel Muir’s involvement with Straitway Truth Ministry brings an additional layer of complexity to the case. The ministry, recognized for its extreme views, has been under scrutiny for its practices. In a 2020 interview, former NFL player Robert Mathis confirmed his own involvement with the Straitway Goshen community.
Daniel Muir’s professional football career spanned from 2008 to 2011. His transition from the NFL to a religious leadership role has been notable, and this latest incident places him back in the spotlight under far graver circumstances. The situation has shocked both those in the sports community and the wider public, who have been following the case closely.
As investigations continue and more details emerge, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of Bryson. The Muir family's ordeal is a grim reminder of the often-hidden struggles that can exist behind closed doors, regardless of public success or prominence.