Former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir and his wife, Kristen Muir, faced a harrowing day on Wednesday as they were arrested following a series of alarming events. Their 14-year-old son, Bryson, who had been reported missing for two weeks, was found at their home in Logansport, Indiana. The Indiana State Police executed a search warrant on the Muir residence, bringing an end to a tumultuous period marked by concerns for Bryson's safety.
An Extensive Search for Bryson
Bryson's disappearance sparked widespread alarm and concern, culminating in a frantic search that began on June 16. Cheryl Wright, Bryson's grandmother, contacted police in Garfield Heights, Ohio, with alarming allegations. Wright reported that Bryson was subjected to abuse that she attributed to his father, Daniel Muir. "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 described, conveying the severity of Bryson's injuries.
Despite repeated efforts by Indiana investigators to reach Daniel and Kristen Muir, the couple remained uncooperative. Notably, they backed out of a scheduled meeting with Indiana State Police just one hour before the appointment, raising further concerns about Bryson's wellbeing. The situation escalated to the point where a statewide Silver Alert was issued, indicating Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance."
The Pre-dawn Police Operation
The intense investigation reached a climax on Wednesday at 6 a.m. when police executed a search warrant at the Muir's property. Described by Steven Glass as a "peaceful" operation, the search took place on a sprawling 59-acre property known as "Straitway Goshen," 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, which adds a complex layer to the unfolding narrative. The property, purchased in March 2020 for $450,000, is owned by the "Servant Leaders Foundation."
Multiple occupants of the property were detained and questioned during the operation, though Daniel and Kristen Muir were the only ones arrested. Daniel now faces charges of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, and obstruction of justice, a felony, while Kristen also faces a charge of obstruction of justice.
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Amid the distressing events, Bryson was found to be "safe and well" and is currently under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services. Steven Glass conveyed relief at the resolution of the police operation, stating, "Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson."
In the sporting world, the arrest of Daniel Muir, known for his NFL career that spanned from 2008 to 2011, has sent ripples throughout the community. His involvement with the Straitway Goshen group, which includes former NFL player Robert Mathis as confirmed in a 2020 interview, brings additional scrutiny to the Ministry and its practices.
As this story continues to unfold, the focus remains on Bryson's recovery and the legal repercussions facing Daniel and Kristen Muir. This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and the role of community and law enforcement in ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals.