- Nateal Campbell, the mother of NFL player Calais Campbell, was found dead during a welfare check in Buckhead, Atlanta.
- Her son, Ciarre Campbell, has been charged with murder and other offenses in connection with her death.
- Police responded after relatives expressed concern, discovering Ciarre barricaded inside the home with a knife.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Weeks after a 66-year-old great-grandmother was fatally stabbed on an Atlanta MARTA train, another Atlanta family is grieving after a violent death inside a home. This time, the mother of NFL player Calais Campbell was found dead in Buckhead, and one of her sons has been charged in the case.
Nateal Campbell, 71, was found dead Tuesday afternoon after Atlanta police responded to a welfare check at a home in the Buckhead area.
Welfare Check Leads to Discovery
Atlanta police said officers were called to the home around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday after relatives became concerned and asked authorities to check on Nateal Campbell.
When officers arrived, they found her unresponsive inside the home.
Police said the case appeared to involve a domestic incident between a mother and son.
Authorities have not released a final cause of death.
Son Found Barricaded Inside
When officers arrived, police said they learned a man had barricaded himself inside the residence.
Officers entered the home and detained him.
He was later identified as 41-year-old Ciarre Campbell, one of Nateal Campbell’s sons and the brother of Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell.
Ciarre Campbell was later booked into the Fulton County Jail.
Charges Filed
Ciarre Campbell was charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony.
Arrest warrants cited in reports allege Nateal Campbell’s throat or neck was cut.
Authorities also said Ciarre Campbell was found in possession of a knife.
At this stage, the charges remain allegations. Ciarre Campbell is presumed innocent unless he pleads guilty or is found guilty in court.
Prior Calls to the Home
Atlanta police said investigators were reviewing previous calls connected to the home.
A police official said there had been calls to the location in April involving a possible arson incident and possible mental health concerns involving an individual.
Authorities have not said whether those earlier calls are directly connected to Nateal Campbell’s death.
Investigators have also sought search warrants as they continue collecting evidence from the property.
Family Mourns Matriarch
The Campbell family confirmed Nateal Campbell’s death in a statement.
The family described her as the Campbell family’s matriarch and said they were devastated by the loss.
They said the details of her death are still being investigated and asked for privacy while they grieve.
Calais Campbell’s NFL Career
Calais Campbell is a longtime NFL defensive lineman who currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens.
He was selected in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft and has played for the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and Baltimore Ravens.
Campbell has been named to the Pro Bowl multiple times and has also been recognized for his community work.
He helped create the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation with his mother and siblings in memory of his late father, Charles Richard Campbell.
Investigation Continues
Police have not released a motive.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue reviewing evidence and the circumstances surrounding Nateal Campbell’s death.
The Baltimore Ravens also expressed condolences to Calais Campbell and his family after the news became public.
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