Nateal Campbell, 71, was found unresponsive inside her Buckhead, Georgia, residence during a welfare check Tuesday afternoon, according to WSB-TV. Police were alerted by relatives concerned about the septuagenarian's well-being.
Upon arrival, officers learned that an individual had barricaded himself inside the home. Police entered the residence and detained the man, later identified as Ciarre Campbell, 41, the older brother of NFL defensive end Calais Campbell. Ciarre Campbell, a former football player at Colorado State, was arrested and booked into Fulton County Jail on Wednesday morning, facing charges of murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony.
The family confirmed Nateal Campbell's death in a statement. "We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell," the statement read, as reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. "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."
Officials have released preliminary details regarding the suspected murder. According to Ciarre Campbell's defense attorney, Jay Abt, police have obtained search warrants for the home, clothing, and DNA.
Lt. Christopher Butler told WSB-TV that officers had previously responded to Nateal Campbell's home in April in reference to a possible arson incident and indications of mental health issues concerning an individual. It remains unclear if Ciarre Campbell resided with his mother at the time of the incident.
Calais Campbell, a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a 2008 second-round NFL draft pick, was recognized in 2025 as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. He co-founded the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation with his mother, an organization dedicated to enhancing communities by teaching critical life skills to young people. The foundation is named after his late father, Charles Campbell.