Calais Campbell mother's death, explained: What to know about brother charged with murder in tragic family event

Ciarre Campbell, the brother of longtime NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell, has been arrested on multiple charges after their mother was found dead inside her Atlanta home, per WSB-TV Atlanta.

Nateal Campbell, 71, was reportedly pronounced dead after police found her unresponsive during a welfare check on Tuesday afternoon.

According to Atlanta police, officers learned a male, later identified as Ciarre Campbell, had "barricaded himself inside the home" where Nateal Campbell was found dead, and he now faces multiple charges, including murder.

Here's what's known about the death of Nateal Campbell, the mother of current Baltimore Ravens defender Calais Campbell.

Calais Campbell mother's death

On Tuesday, WSB-TV Atlanta reported that Atlanta police were continuing an investigation after a woman was found dead at a Buckhead townhome. The woman was later identified as Nateal Campbell, and Ciarre Campbell, one of her sons, was being detained for questioning.

Later on, Fulton County Jail records confirmed that Ciarre Campbell was being booked on charges of murder, aggravated assault and gun possession, per WSB-TV Atlanta, and officers said they found Nateal Campbell after getting a call for a "welfare check from a concerned family member."

“A brief look into the history does show some calls back in April dealing with this location a possible arson incident,” Lt. Christapher Butler told WSB-TV Atlanta. “There have been some indications of possible some mental health issues with an individual.”

The Campbell family also released a statement to Ian Rapoport on Tuesday.

“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.”

Per WSB-TV Atlanta, police are continuing their investigation and have "obtained search warrants for the home, clothing and DNA to further investigate the case."

Police said in a release about their investigation that they first responded to the call around 12:36 p.m. on Tuesday, and "upon arrival, officers learned a male appeared to have barricaded himself inside the home." Police then "made entry into the residence and immediately detained the male," who was later identified as Ciarre Campbell. It remains unclear if Ciarre Campbell lived with his mother at the time of the alleged murder.

In 2025, Calais Campbell was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for founding the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation alongside his mother and seven siblings. The foundation was named after Campbell's late father, who died in 2003, and "enhances the community through the teaching of critical life skills to young people," per the New York Post. Nateal Campbell was listed as a co-founder of the foundation.

Who is Calais Campbell's brother?

Ciarre Campbell is one of NFL star Calais Campbell's brothers. Per the New York Post, he is 41 years old and a former football player at Colorado State.

Calais Campbell brother charges

Jail records show that Ciarre Campbell faces charges of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife during commission of a felony, per The New York Post.