The brother of Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell has been charged with murdering their mother.
Ciarre Campbell, brother of Calais Campbell, was booked early Wednesday morning in Fulton County Jail on charges of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife, according to WSB TV.
Calais Campbell’s family released a statement confirming his mother’s death but not commenting on the charges against his brother.
“We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell,” the statement said. “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.”
Atlanta Police confirmed that they received a call on Tuesday afternoon asking for a welfare check at Nateal Campbell’s home, and the officers who responded found her body. Lt. Christapher Butler, the head of the Atlanta Police Department’s Homicide Unit, said police had previously been called regarding issues at the home.
“A brief look into the history does show some calls back in April dealing with this location a possible arson incident,” Butler told WSB TV. “There have been some indications of possible some mental health issues with an individual.”
Calais Campbell is heading into his 19th NFL season and is one of the NFL’s most respected players. He was the NFL’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2019 and is a six-time Pro Bowler. In addition to the Ravens, he has played for the Cardinals, Jaguars, Falcons and Dolphins.
Campbell and his family founded the Charles R. Campbell Foundation to honor his late father and support mentorship and education. The co-founders included both Nateal Campbell and Ciarre Campbell. The foundation’s literature says that Calais attributes much of his success to growing up in a “household bursting at the seams with love.”
