Former NFL Player Daniel Muir and Wife Arrested Amid Missing Child Drama
Former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir and his wife Kristen were arrested on Wednesday in a dramatic turn of events involving their missing 14-year-old son, Bryson, who had been reported missing for two weeks.
Details of the Investigation
Indiana State Police executed a search warrant at the Muir residence in Logansport, Indiana. The search, which took place at 6 a.m., revealed that Bryson had been at the home during the period he was reported missing. He was found to be "safe and well" and is currently under the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services.
Daniel Muir faces charges of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, and obstruction of justice, a felony. Kristen Muir is also charged with obstruction of justice. Multiple individuals were detained and questioned during the police operation, but only Daniel and Kristen were arrested.
Initial Contact and the Role of the Grandmother
The chain of events leading to the 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 being abused, 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 said.
Indiana investigators initially faced difficulties establishing contact with Daniel and Kristen. The couple backed out of a scheduled meeting with Indiana State Police just an hour before it was set to take place. Consequently, a statewide Silver Alert was issued, indicating that Bryson might be in "extreme danger and may require medical assistance."
The Search Operation
The search operation, described as "peaceful" by Steven Glass, took place on a sprawling 59-acre property known as "Straitway Goshen." The property, purchased in March 2020 for $450,000, is 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. The property is owned by the "Servant Leaders Foundation."
Community Ties and NFL Connections
This isn't the first time the community has drawn attention due to its members' high-profile connections. Robert Mathis, another former NFL player, confirmed his involvement with Straitway Goshen in a 2020 interview.
Daniel Muir’s NFL career spanned from 2008 to 2011. During his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts, he became a notable figure on the defensive line. However, this latest chapter in his life stands in stark contrast to his previously celebrated career.
"Ultimately, everything went well and everybody is safe, including Bryson," said Steven Glass, summarizing the delicate operation's successful conclusion.
The story prompts renewed scrutiny into the activities at the Straitway Goshen property and the impact of such extreme religious movements on their followers. As authorities continue their investigations, the focus remains on the welfare of the young boy and the legal repercussions for Daniel and Kristen Muir.