LOGANSPORT, Ind. — Newly released court documents share details into former Indianapolis Colts player Daniel Muir's alleged abuse of his 14-year-old son, who went missing June 16 and was found safe July 3.
According to court documents, Daniel Muir explained to another person through a recorded phone call – that Indiana State Police investigators said appeared to start recording mid-conversation – as to why Bryson Muir was in trouble. Daniel then goes into detail about inappropriate behavior, who said he, "whooped his a** like a grown a** man."
Court documents say that during the recorded conversation, Daniel also said that if the family lived in their "homeland," he said Bryson would've been put to death for his acts. Instead, the Muir family lives in the United States, so Daniel said Bryson could not be put to death for his actions.
Investigators then spoke with Kristin Muir, who allegedly told them a different story about how Bryson got his injuries. According to court documents, Kristin said Bryson was taking out the trash and walked over to the train tracks near their Logansport property because he liked trains. While near the tracks, Kristin said Bryson allegedly told her he had been punched by someone he didn't know.
With Bryson's safety in mind, Kristin told investigators the Muirs decided to move Bryson to his grandmother's home in Ohio.
According to court documents, Kristin said she removed Bryson from his grandmother's care because she was "making decisions she didn't agree with."
After taking Bryson from his grandmother's house, Kristin reportedly told investigators that the Muirs took Bryson to a family member's house nearby where his grandmother lived.
Court documents say Kristin told investigators the Muirs then pulled their car over on the side of the road so she could breastfeed. During that time, Kristin said police arrived and were looking for Bryson, who was not with them. That's when she said the Muirs went back to their home in Logansport.
Investigators then spoke with Daniel, who allegedly said Bryson was in the car with them when police approached their car. However, Daniel claims police said they were looking for a 14-year-old female, not male, so Daniel allegedly told police that there was nobody in their car with that description.
According to court documents, Daniel said it was days later when Bryson was taken to another location.
The Muirs' next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, July 11 at 3 p.m. in Cass County.
Background on Bryson's disappearance
When Bryson first went missing on June 16, ISP reported he was last seen at the home of his grandmother, Cheryl Wright, near Cleveland, Ohio.
Shortly before he went missing, Wright went to pick Bryson up in Toledo at her daughter's request, she said he had a black eye, a fat lip and a swollen face.
"He just said that his dad did it, but he wasn't angry, but he wasn't angry at his father. He told me that he deserved it and it was OK," Wright said. "So I told him that it wasn't and that nobody should beat their children like that, not if they love them."
State police said the Muirs backed out of a meeting with police that they were supposed to bring Bryson to and were reportedly no longer cooperating with investigators.
Bryson's grandmother believed the former Colts player and her daughter were hiding Bryson because they didn't want police to see his beat-up face.
Around 6 a.m. July 3, ISP's SWAT team executed a search and arrest warrant at the Muir's home in the 1700 block of U.S. Highway 24, near U.S. 35.
When the team arrived, they found Bryson, Daniel and Kristin in the home. According to ISP, Bryson appeared safe and well, and was released to the care of the Cass County Department of Child Services.
His father was arrested and later charged with obstruction of justice and domestic battery. His mother was also taken into custody and later charged with obstruction of justice.
Daniel and Kristin were both denied bond by a Cass County judge, citing Daniel as a flight risk. The judge also issued a no-contact order between Daniel and Kristin and their son, Bryson.
In a filing on July 8, Daniel's lawyer said denying him bail was "unconstitutional under both state and federal law." He is calling on the judge to set a hearing to set bail and allow for Daniel's release.
The parents' jury trial is scheduled for Nov. 4.
ISP is asking anyone with information on the incident with Bryson Muir to call the ISP Peru Post at 800-382-0689 or 911.
Servant Leader's Foundation's connection:
Daniel and Kristin Muir were known members of the Servant Leader's Foundation.
While a simple search of the Servant Leader's Foundation won't lead to many results, a YouTube channel for the group can be found under the name of "StraitWay HelpMeets." In one of the pages most recent videos, Daniel Muir can be seen leading a service for the group.
He is featured in dozens of videos on the page where he is referred to as "Shepherd Pastor Muir," "Pastor Muir" and "Brother Daniel Muir."
According to the records, the group is the registered owner of the property that the Muir's were found in with "NO TRESPASSING" signs posted all over the area.
When entering the property, a large sign can be seen that reads "Welcome to Straitway Indiana Goshen." Here's a photo of that entrance sign:
