After his 14-year-old son, who was reported missing, was found, former NFL defensive tackle Daniel Muir was discovered to have ties with the religious organization Straitway Truth Ministries, which is deemed a “cult” by numerous people.
Last month, authorities received a report that the son of Daniel Muir, 40, and his wife Kristin Muir, 38, had been abused and was missing. The couple has since been charged with domestic battery and obstruction of justice, while Kristin Muir has also been charged with obstruction for allegedly helping to hide their son from the authorities.
A religious compound in Tennessee was recently subjected to a SWAT raid, with authorities investigating what some are referring to as a “cult” lifestyle. Prior reports have indicated that Robert Muir was recruited to the Straitway organization by former NFL star Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who is a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. Gbaja-Biamila also convinced his Indianapolis Colts teammate Robert Mathis to join the group.
In 2020, Sports Illustrated published an article revealing that Gbaja-Biamila, Muir’s former teammate in Green Bay, sent him videos of Pastor Charles Dowell, the leader of Straitway. Initially, Muir reviewed Bible scriptures to disprove Dowell’s teachings, but eventually found himself accepting and agreeing with his interpretations.
According to reports, Muir donned a Hebrew t-shirt when he met Mathis, which ultimately led to his introduction and subsequent involvement with the group. In a 2020 interview with Sports Illustrated, Mathis acknowledged his affiliation with Straitway.
Rather than hiding his involvement in the group, he embraced it openly and with pride. His Facebook profile was adorned with several pictures of himself, Muir, and the families of the Indiana community, showcasing his dedication to the cause.
Gbaja-Biamila and his fellow members were arrested for trespassing and concealed weapon possession following the incident. Unfortunately, he faced legal troubles as a result of the event. Nevertheless, on his X profile, he proudly showcases his religious devotion. Although he has been inactive since 2022, his biography still reads, “Green Bay Packer HOF, Disciple of Jesus Christ, Commandment Keeper.”
Muir is currently facing legal troubles regarding his association with the group. Despite several attempts to reach out to the Muirs, they remained unresponsive, leading the Indiana State Police to publicly announce Bryson’s disappearance. In an effort to locate him, the police issued a Silver Alert, classifying Bryson as “missing and endangered.”
Upon seeing her grandson, Muir, with a swollen face and physical injuries, Cheryl Wright, Muir’s grandmother, reported a suspicion of child abuse to the police. A photo that was included in the Silver Alert showed Bryson with a bruised eye, further adding to the concern.
On Wednesday, Bryson was located after an extensive search. Daniel Muir and his wife were arrested and are now facing charges of domestic battery and obstruction of justice. Currently, the couple is being held without bond and has been issued a no-contact order with their son. The no-contact order is set to be reviewed on July 16, and a jury trial has been scheduled for Nov 4.
The Muir family was found to be living in Logansport, Indiana, and their property was owned by the Servant Leader’s Foundation, a religious organization associated with Straitway Truth Ministries.
“Straitway Goshen,” located at 1740 W. U.S. Highway 24, is part of the Straitway Truth Ministry, a religious sect led by Charles Dowell from Lafayette, Tennessee. With over 12 outposts, this Hebrew Israelite coalition promotes communal living in secluded neighborhoods.
In the aftermath of the news, Dowell took to his personal YouTube channel to address his followers directly. In his message, he emphasized that he was speaking only to his “Israelites.” Dowell expressed his disapproval of the raid on the property and labeled it as disrespectful, particularly because it took place during morning prayer.
Dowell made a claim that the media was spreading false information about the number of detained individuals and referred to Daniel as Pastor Muir. He also proceeded to promote Straitway by providing a website and phone number in the video. The background of the video showed various military weapons and a wooden menorah.