Gruesome new details of the death of NFL star Calais Campbell’s mother have been released after his brother was charged with murder.
Nateal Campbell, 71, was pronounced deceased inside her townhouse in the plush Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta on Tuesday afternoon, after cops arrived to perform a welfare check.
Officers found her unresponsive with her throat cut when they arrived at around 12:30pm Tuesday, according to a police statement.
According to a release from the Atlanta Police department, when officers attempted to enter the property they found that a male had barricaded himself inside.
Officers gained entry to the property and detained the individual, who was later identified as Ciarre Campbell, the 41-year-old son of the deceased. Ciarre, a former football player himself, was said to have been found in possession of a knife.
According to jail records viewed by the Daily Mail, Campbell faces charges of two counts of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit a felony.
Ciarre Campbell, 41, is pictured in his booking photo after being charged with murder
Calais Campbell is pictured with his late mother Nateal, who died on Tuesday at the age of 71
No lawyer who could comment on the charges was listed in online court records.
In the wake of Nateal’s death, the Campbell family released a statement, which was shared online by NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
‘We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell,’ it began.
‘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.’
The heartbreaking death of his mother comes as Calais is currently preparing to enter his 19th season in the league having just signed a $5.5m, one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
Prior to that, he had played in Arizona, Jacksonville, Atlanta and Miami, being voted the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2019, and a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team.
Calais, previously the NFL’s Man of the Year for his charity work, recently signed for Baltimore
Police arrested Calais’ brother Ciarre for murder after he barricaded himself inside the home
The young Campbell family are pictured with their late parents, Charles and Nateal
His Man of the Year win was due to his founding of the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation, alongside his mother and seven siblings. The charity, named after his late father, enhances the community through the teaching of critical life skills to young people.
‘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,’ the Ravens said in a statement posted to social media.
The 2017 first-team AP All-Pro selection has been voted to the Pro Bowl six times in a career that started as a second-round pick in 2008 with the Arizona Cardinals.
‘At this time of unfathomable tragedy, our hearts are with Calais Campbell and his family. We hope they find strength and comfort in the love, prayers, and support that surround them now and in the days ahead,’ the Cardinals said in a statement posted to social media.
