(Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images via Reuters Connect)
The family of Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell is mourning the death of his mother, Nateal Campbell, after authorities in Atlanta charged his brother, Ciarre Campbell, with her murder following a welfare check at the family home.
According to Atlanta police, officers responded to the residence around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday after relatives requested a welfare check. They discovered 71-year-old Nateal Campbell unresponsive inside the home.
Arrest warrants alleged someone had cut her throat, and police say they found Ciarre Campbell, 41, with a knife at the scene.
Police booked Ciarre Campbell into the Fulton County Jail, where he faces multiple charges, including murder and aggravated assault. He waived his initial court hearing and remained in custody without bond. Court records did not list an attorney who commented on the allegations.
Family Cited Concerns About Mental Illness Before Tragedy
Police records indicate the Campbell family had repeatedly expressed concerns about Ciarre Campbell’s mental health in the months leading up to the incident. According to a released 911 call, relatives told dispatchers they were unable to enter the home while another brother, described as mentally ill, remained inside with their mother.
Authorities said officers had responded to the address several times since September for incidents including welfare checks, suspicious activity and domestic disturbances.
An April police report stated that one of Ciarre Campbell’s sisters reported he had started a fire inside the home “to rid the house of the demons.” Another report noted that Nateal Campbell told officers her son had stopped taking medication prescribed to treat schizophrenia.
The Campbell family later released a statement requesting privacy as they grieve.
“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.”
Ravens, Cardinals Offer Support to Calais Campbell
The Baltimore Ravens also expressed condolences to their veteran defensive lineman, asking the public to respect the family’s privacy during the difficult time.
Calais Campbell, 39, is preparing for his 19th NFL season after signing a one-year, $5.5 million deal with Baltimore earlier this offseason. A six-time Pro Bowler and 2017 First-Team All-Pro, Campbell ranks among the NFL’s most accomplished defensive linemen with 117 career sacks across 278 games.
The Arizona Cardinals, who selected Campbell in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft and kept him for the first 10 seasons of his career, also shared a message of support for their former star.
Campbell has also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins during a distinguished NFL career, and he will be 40 years old on Sept. 1.
