Brother of NFL star Calais Campbell charged with murder after mother found dead in Atlanta home

Ciarre Campbell, 41, was booked early Wednesday morning in Atlanta.

The brother of Baltimore Ravens star Calais Campbell has been charged with murder after their 71-year-old mother was found dead inside her Atlanta home.

Ciarre Campbell, 41, was booked Wednesday morning on charges of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife, according to Fulton County Jail records

Nateal Campbell was found unresponsive Tuesday in her townhouse by officers conducting a welfare check after a concerned family member called police. A man, later identified as Ciarre, had barricaded himself inside the Buckhead home and was detained by police, according to a statement from the Atlanta Police Department.

The Campbell family released a statement confirming the death, 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 said. “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.”

Police have not revealed how they believe the murder unfolded, but the warrant alleges a violent killing, WXIA-TV reported. Officers had previously been called to Nateal Campbell’s home for a possible mental health issue related to Ciarre Campbell.

"A brief look into the history does show some calls back in April dealing with this location; a possible arson incident," Lt. Christapher Butler stated. "There have been some indications of possibly some mental health issues with the individual. But yeah, the family did indicate that."

It was not immediately clear if Ciarre Campbell lived with his mother.

Jay Abt, an attorney for Ciarre Campbell said in a statement Wednesday to WSB-TV that, his client is innocent until proven guilty and declined to comment on his mental health.

"We vigorously protest his innocence," Abt told the outlet. "We look forward to his day ​in court. I'm honored to defend him and, ​most importantly, the Campbell family, I'm asking on their behalf that ‌the ⁠public respect their privacy at this time."

Calais Campbell, 39, is entering his 19th NFL season this fall after signing with the Ravens in May. He's also played for the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins since being drafted in 2008. Campbell played college ball at the University of Miami.

Campbell is one of the most tenured and well-respected players in the league, being named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2019. On the field, he's been of the premier pass-rushers of his generation as a six-time Pro Bowler and member of the 2010s All-Decade Team.

"We are incredibly saddened to learn about the passing of Calais Campbell's mother," a Ravens spokesperson said in a statement. "We extend our deepest condolences and full support to Calais and his family during this difficult time. We ask that everyone please respect their privacy while they grieve from this heartbreaking loss."