The 71-year-old mother of NFL star Calais Campbell was found dead Tuesday, June 30, in her Buckhead Atlanta apartment. His older brother, Ciarre Campbell, has been charged in the murder of their mother, Nateal Campbell, Channel 2 Action News reports.

Ciarre Campbell, 41, was booked into the Fulton County Jail after midnight Wednesday on charges of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a knife. He is a former football player at Colorado State.

Nateal Campbell’s body was found when police conducted a welfare check at her Buckhead home. Police didn’t say who requested the welfare check.

The family issued a statement to ESPN that read: “We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell. 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.”

?NFL Player Calais Campbell Brother Charged in Their Mother Death?
Ciarre Campbell, the brother of Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell, has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a knife in the death of their mother, Nateal Campbell.

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Ciarre Campbell reportedly suffered from mental health issues. Lt. Christapher Butler said police responded to an arson call at the townhouse back in April.

“A brief look into the history does show some calls back in April dealing with this location, a possible arson incident,” Butler said. “There have been some indications of possibly some mental health issues with an individual.”

Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney, Jay Abt, issued a statement to Channel 2 Action News.

“We vigorously protest his innocence. 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,” Abt said.

Calais, 39, is a star defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens. The six-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman is in his 19th season in the NFL. He previously played for the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaguars.