Heartbreaking details have emerged after the mother of Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell was found dead at her home. His older brother has been charged with her murder.
Nateal Campbell, 71, was pronounced dead on Tuesday after officers responding to a welfare check found her unresponsive inside her townhouse. Concerned relatives had called police shortly after 12:30 PM after being unable to reach her.
When officers arrived, a man had barricaded himself inside the home. Police entered the residence and took him into custody. He was identified as Ciarre Campbell, 41, Calais’ older brother and a former football player at Colorado State.
He was booked into Fulton County Jail on Wednesday morning and faces charges of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony.
Warning signs had been ignored
Investigators revealed that police had been called to the same address before. Lt. Christopher Butler told reporters that officers had responded to the location in April over a possible arson incident.
There had been indications of mental health concerns involving an individual at the property. It remains unclear whether Ciarre had been living with his mother at the time of her death.
His attorney said investigators have obtained search warrants for the home, clothing and DNA evidence. The investigation is ongoing.
Gut-wrenching statement from family
The Campbell family released a statement confirming their loss but did not address the charges against Ciarre.
“We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell,” the statement read.
“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.”
A respected veteran NFL player
Calais Campbell is entering his 19th NFL season and is widely regarded as one of the most respected veterans in the league.
He ranks third among active NFL players in career sacks and has played for the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins.
He and his family founded the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation in honor of their late father Chuck, with Nateal listed as a co-founder.
The organization focuses on mentorship, education and life skills for young people. Campbell has said he attributes much of his success to growing up in a household he described as “bursting at the seams with love.”
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