Son charged in killing of mother of NFL veteran Calais Campbell

A 41-year-old man is facing murder charges after police say he killed his mother, the mother of NFL veteran Calais Campbell, inside her Buckhead home.

(NBC)- A 41-year-old man is facing murder charges after police say he killed his mother, the mother of NFL veteran Calais Campbell, inside her Buckhead home.

Atlanta police say officers responded Tuesday afternoon for a welfare check after family members reported they had been unable to contact 71-year-old Nateal Campbell.

According to a 911 caller, relatives were concerned after Ciarre Campbell, who the caller said had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, left the home driving his mother’s vehicle—something family members said was highly unusual.

When officers arrived, police say Ciarre Campbell had barricaded himself inside the townhome. After taking him into custody, officers discovered Nateal Campbell dead inside.

According to the arrest affidavit, Campbell is accused of fatally stabbing his mother. Court records show he waived his first court appearance Wednesday.

Police records indicate officers had responded to the home 10 times since 2025. One of those calls involved an April fire in which a family member told investigators Campbell had allegedly set the home on fire in an attempt to rid it of demons.

Investigators also said Nateal Campbell had reportedly been staying elsewhere after her son took over the home.