NFL Star Calais Campbell's Brother Charged with Murder of Their Mother

A devastating tragedy has struck the family of NFL star Calais Campbell: his brother Ciarre Campbell has been charged with the murder of their 71-year-old mother. The body of Nateal Campbell was discovered Tuesday in her upscale Buckhead townhome in Atlanta after a concerned family member requested a welfare check.

When police arrived, they found a man barricaded inside the home. That man was Ciarre Campbell, who was subsequently arrested. According to online jail records, he was booked into the Fulton County Jail on charges of murder, aggravated assault, and gun possession. A mug shot of Ciarre was later released.

Atlanta Police Lieutenant Christapher Butler revealed that there had been a call to Nateal's address in April regarding a possible arson incident. He also noted there were "indications" of potential mental health issues involving someone at the address. It remains unclear whether Ciarre lived with his mother.

Ciarre's attorney, Jay Abt, declared his client's innocence and asked the public to respect the Campbell family's privacy. He stated that police had obtained search warrants for the home, clothing, and DNA. "We look forward to his day in court," Abt said. "I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family."

The Campbell family released a statement expressing their grief: "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 for the Baltimore Ravens, was named the 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. He founded the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation with his mother and seven siblings, which teaches critical life skills to young people. Drafted in the second round in 2008 out of the University of Miami, he is currently playing for the Ravens on a one-year deal and has indicated this season might be his last.