The brother of Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell was charged with murder Wednesday after police found their 71-year-old mother, Nateal Campbell, dead at her home in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood during a welfare check.
Ciarre Campbell, 41, was booked into the Fulton County Jail on charges of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a knife. He waived his initial court hearing Wednesday and will remain held without bond. Police said they received a call for a welfare check Monday from a concerned family member. When officers arrived, they found Nateal Campbell's body and Ciarre Campbell barricaded inside the home. Lt. Christapher Butler of the Atlanta Police Department noted that officers had previously been called to the address in April for a possible arson incident, and that there were "indications of possible some mental health issues with an individual."
Ciarre's attorney said his client "vigorously protests his innocence" and asked the public to respect the family's privacy. The Campbell family released a statement through ESPN: "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."
The Ravens issued a statement of support: "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." Calais Campbell, 39, is entering his 19th NFL season after signing a one-year, $5.5 million contract with Baltimore in April. He is the oldest active defensive player in the league. He and his family co-founded the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation — which included both Nateal and Ciarre Campbell — to support mentorship and education for young people.