Brother of NFL Star Calais Campbell Charged in the Death of Their Mother

The brother of Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell has been charged with murdering their mother, Nateal Campbell.

Ciarre Campbell was booked after midnight in Fulton County, Georgia on Wednesday, July 1, and charged with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife, Us Weekly confirms.

Nateal's body was found inside a Buckhead townhome on Tuesday, June 30, according to WSBTV. She was 71.

Atlanta Police found Nateal's body after a family member contacted them about a welfare check. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nateal was found with several cuts to her neck, according to WHSV.

According to a press release, authorities found an unidentified male had "barricaded himself inside the home" who was taken into custody.

"A brief look into the history does show some calls back in April dealing with this location [and] a possible arson incident," Lieutenant Christapher Butler told reporters. "There have been some indications of possibly some mental health issues with an individual."

Defense attorney Jay Abt told WSBTV that police have obtained search warrants for the home, clothing and DNA.

"We vigorously protest his innocence," Abt said. "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 released a statement about Nateal's death, but did not mention Ciarre being a suspect in her murder.

"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."

Calais, 39, signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens in May, his second stint with the team. Last month, he said it was "probably going to be my last year."

Over the course of his 19-year NFL career, Calais has also played with the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins.

"We are incredibly saddened to learn about the passing of Calais Campbell's mother," the Ravens said in a statement. "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."

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This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 9:33 AM.