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ATLANTA — Atlanta police have charged 41-year-old Ciarre Campbell with murder and aggravated assault in the death of his mother, 71-year-old Nateal Campbell, according to Fulton County, Georgia, police records released this week. Her body was discovered in her home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood, and police records state that her throat had been cut. The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming her death but did not provide additional details about the circumstances. Ciarre Campbell, who is being represented by defense attorney Jay Abt, is the older brother of veteran NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell. Abt said in a statement to WSBTV.com on Wednesday that the defense “vigorously” protests his client’s guilt, adding that they look forward to presenting their case in court and asking the public to respect the Campbell family’s privacy as the legal process unfolds. Calais Campbell, 39, entered the NFL as a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008 and has played 18 seasons for multiple teams, including the Arizona Cardinals. A six-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year, he partnered with his mother to launch the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation, which focuses on inspiring youth to pursue their ambitions. He signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in April to play his 19th NFL season in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens and has amassed 117 sacks and 960 tackles in 278 career games.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.