What began as a family’s frantic effort to check on their mother’s safety ended in tragedy this week when police found the mother of NFL veteran Calais Campbell dead inside her Atlanta home. Authorities have since arrested the player’s older brother on murder charges.
Relatives became increasingly concerned after they were unable to reach 71-year-old Nateal Campbell and noticed unusual behavior from her son, 41-year-old Ciarre Campbell, according to the New York Post. Family members contacted 911 requesting a welfare check, telling dispatchers they feared something was wrong and that Ciarre had a history of severe mental illness.
Authorities later released emergency dispatch calls. In them, you can hear one of the siblings frantically explain the dire situation.
“It was kind of a wellness check. My brother– he’s mentally ill. He’s been diagnosed with schizophrenia and some other things. He stays with my mother, and this morning we’re trying to get in,” the caller said.
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Atlanta police responded Tuesday (June 30) to the family’s Buckhead home after receiving reports that Ciarre had barricaded himself inside, according to USA Today. Officers entered the residence and discovered Nateal unresponsive. Police said Ciarre was taken into custody at the scene and later charged with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony.
According to investigators, the 71-year-old mother of eight suffered fatal injuries to her throat. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to determine the official cause of death.
“A brief look into the history does show some calls back in April dealing with this location [and] a possible arson incident,” Lt. Christapher Butler told reporters. “There have been some indications of [some] possible mental health issues with an individual.”
Court documents and statements from relatives paint a picture of a family that had long struggled to help Ciarre manage schizophrenia among other mental illnesses. According to the Post, officers had previously responded to the home more than 10 times over concerns involving his mental health, and family members told investigators they had become increasingly worried about his behavior in recent months.
The Campbell family confirmed their matriarch’s death in a statement Wednesday, asking for privacy as they grieve.
The tragedy has shaken the football community, where the suspect’s younger brother is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s most respected veterans. The 39-year-old Pro Bowl defensive end is entering his 19th season– this time with the Baltimore Ravens. The tragedy comes years after Campbell earned the league’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in recognition of his charitable work and leadership off the field, according to the NFL.
Together with his siblings, Campbell also helped establish the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation, named in honor of his late father, to support young people through education, mentoring and leadership programs.
As investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death, Ciarre remains in custody. He has not entered a plea.
