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The brother of Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell has been charged with murder following the discovery of their mother dead at her Atlanta home on Tuesday afternoon.
Ciarre Campbell, 41, was booked into the Fulton County Jail after midnight Wednesday on charges of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife. Police responded to a welfare check at the family’s Buckhead townhome around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday after a concerned family member called requesting officers perform the check.
When officers arrived, they found 71-year-old Nateal Campbell unresponsive inside the residence. She had suffered several cuts to her neck, according to authorities. Ciarre Campbell had barricaded himself inside the home when officers arrived and was taken into custody at the scene.
“This appears to be a domestic incident between a mother and so far, what we believe it’s her son,” said Lt. Christopher Butler of the Atlanta Police Department’s Homicide Unit.
The Campbell family released a statement expressing their devastation at the loss of their matriarch. “We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell. While the details of her passing are still being investigated, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with our father, her beloved Chuck, and in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We ask for privacy at this time so that we may honor her and share in our overwhelming grief privately and as a family.”
Lt. Butler said the police department had received previous calls at the Buckhead address. In April, officers responded to the residence for a possible arson incident. He noted that there were indications of possible mental health issues with an individual at the address, though he declined to provide additional details about the investigation.
Ciarre Campbell is represented by defense attorney Jay Abt, who issued a statement on his behalf. “We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” Abt said. Police obtained search warrants for the Buckhead home, clothing and DNA as part of the investigation.
Calais Campbell, 39, is one of the NFL’s most accomplished defensive linemen. The six-time Pro Bowl selection was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2019, an honor recognizing players for outstanding volunteer and charity work as well as excellence on the field. He was also named a first-team All-Pro in 2017 after recording 14.5 sacks, a career high.
Originally drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals out of the University of Miami, Calais Campbell played nine seasons with Arizona before stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons. He played for the Falcons during the 2023 season before rejoining the Ravens this offseason for what he has indicated may be his final NFL season. The 39-year-old is set to turn 40 in September and would become the sixth defensive player in NFL history to play into his 40s.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Calais Campbell is known for his extensive charitable work. He and his family founded the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation in honor of his late father, who passed away in 2003. The foundation focuses on community activism and empowering youth through the teaching of critical life skills.
Ciarre Campbell is listed as one of eight founders of the CRC Foundation, alongside his siblings. The foundation has expanded its reach across multiple communities where Calais has played, supporting youth development programs, reading initiatives, scholarship programs and holiday giving events.
When Calais Campbell recorded his 100th career sack in October, he used the milestone as an opportunity for giving, donating $150,000 to teachers in Phoenix, Jacksonville, Baltimore and Atlanta. He has also been a significant contributor to youth mentorship programs and has donated substantial sums to educational initiatives and community organizations in cities where he has played.
The Baltimore Ravens organization released a statement following the discovery of Nateal Campbell’s death. “We are incredibly saddened to learn about the passing of Calais Campbell’s mother. We extend our deepest condolences and full support to Calais and his family during this difficult time. We ask that everyone please respect their privacy while they grieve from this heartbreaking loss.”
The investigation into Nateal Campbell’s death remains ongoing, with police conducting forensic evidence collection and interviewing witnesses. Arrest warrants allege a violent killing, though authorities have not yet released detailed information about the circumstances leading up to the incident or a timeline of events.