The brother of Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman and former Atlanta Falcons player Calais Campbell has been arrested and charged with murder after their mother was found dead at the family’s Buckhead, Georgia, townhome, according to WSB-TV.
Ciarre Campbell, 41, was booked into Fulton County Jail Wednesday morning on charges including murder, aggravated assault and possession of a knife, according to online records, WSB-TV reports.
Their mother, Nateal Campbell, 71, was found unresponsive June 30 after a family member reportedly called police for a welfare check at the home, officials with the Atlanta Police Department said.
Nateal Campbell had several cuts to her neck and was deceased when they got to the home, where Ciarre Campbell also barricaded himself police said, according to Atlanta News First.
“This appears to be a domestic incident between a mother and so far, what we believe it’s her son,” Lt. Christopher Butler with Atlanta Police said Tuesday, according to the outlet, adding, “There have been some indications of possibly some mental health issues with an individual.”
Butler added that the department had responded to prior calls at the address, including some in April for a possible arson incident.
Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney Jay Abt told WSB-TV in a statement: "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.”
The Campbell family also issued a statement about the death to Ian Rapoport of ESPN and the NFL Network.
“We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell,” it read.
“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.”
Calais Campbell, a defensive end who wears No. 93, started his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals in 2008. He later played for the Jaguars, Ravens, Falcons, Dolphins and Cardinals again, and is set to return to Baltimore for the 2026 season.
He enters the season with 278 career games played and is closing in on the record for most games by a defensive lineman, needing just five more to surpass Jim Marshall. Campbell, a former Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year winner and multi-time Pro Bowler, has said he expected 2026 to be his final NFL season.
The Ravens issued a statement extending the organization’s condolences to Campbell’s family: “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 Independent has contacted the Atlanta Police Department and the Ravens for comment.
