In a tragic incident that has shaken the family of NFL star Calais Campbell, his 71-year-old mother was found dead at her Atlanta home. Police have charged Campbell’s brother, Ciarre Campbell, with murder, highlighting the family’s ongoing struggle with mental illness.
Authorities discovered Nateal Campbell’s body with her throat cut during a welfare check, and Ciarre Campbell was reportedly found at the scene holding a knife. The call for the welfare check came around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, as stated in a police report. Following his arrest, Ciarre Campbell, 41, is being held in Fulton County Jail without bond after waiving his initial court hearing on charges that include aggravated assault and murder. Attempts to reach his listed attorney for comments were unsuccessful.
In a 911 call released by the police, an unidentified man requested the welfare check, explaining to the dispatcher that he was trying to enter his mother’s house with his brother and sister-in-law. They observed another brother inside, who they described as “mentally ill.” He had claimed their mother was not home, but surveillance footage from a neighbor contradicted this.
Records reveal that the residence had been the subject of at least nine previous police calls since September, involving issues like fights, suspicious persons, and previous welfare checks. A particularly alarming call came on April 24, when a sister of Ciarre Campbell contacted police, reporting that he had set a fire in the house to “rid the house of the demons.” She noted that their mother had been absent for a week due to Ciarre Campbell’s dominance over the home.
Neighbors also raised concerns, reporting disturbances, and Nateal Campbell herself disclosed to officers in April that her son was not adhering to prescribed medication for schizophrenia.
The Campbell family released a heartfelt statement expressing their grief, noting, “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.”
Calais Campbell, a defensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, is gearing up for his 19th season in the NFL. After signing a one-year, $5.5 million contract in April, he remains the league’s oldest active defensive player as of the 2026 season, turning 40 on September 1.
Throughout his illustrious career, Campbell has been selected to the Pro Bowl six times, earning a first-team AP All-Pro selection in 2017. Drafted in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2008, he has since played for Jacksonville, Atlanta, and Miami, amassing 117 career sacks over 278 games, with 259 starts.
