A respected North Carolina science teacher has been killed in her own home by an intruder with an extensive criminal history, according to prosecutors.
A Fatal 911 Call
Zoe Welsh, 57, called emergency services from her Raleigh home on Saturday morning to report a break-in. While she was on the line with the 911 operator, the Raleigh Police Department stated that the burglar began to assault her.
Officers rushed to the scene and found Ms Welsh with life-threatening injuries. She was taken immediately to a nearby hospital but could not be saved. The dedicated educator, who had taught for 33 years, was pronounced dead at the hospital. Her official cause of death has not yet been released.
A Suspect with a Lengthy Criminal Past
The man arrested and charged with her murder is 36-year-old Ryan Camacho. Court records reveal a long history of criminal activity, with Camacho having been arrested approximately two dozen times.
His prior convictions include escaping from a prison in Salisbury in 2021. He has also faced multiple charges for breaking and entering. In a case from August last year, which was dismissed just last month, Judge Louis Meyer found Camacho incapable of proceeding. Prosecutors had sought to have him voluntarily committed, but the judge denied the request.
In connection with Zoe Welsh's death, Camacho now faces charges of murder and felony breaking and entering. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday as the investigation continues.
A Community in Mourning
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce expressed profound sorrow, describing Ms Welsh as a mother, friend, and mentor. "I am deeply heartbroken for this mother, friend, and mentor to many in our community," Chief Boyce said. He emphasised that the arrest sends a strong message that violent crime will not be tolerated in the city.
Zoe Welsh taught at the Ravenscroft School, where she was remembered as a cornerstone of the Upper School Science Department. The school community is devastated and will provide grief counsellors for students returning to classes.
Flowers have been placed outside her home in a growing memorial. Olivia Alvarez, her house cleaner for years, said, "I'll remember her smile; she was always happy." Ms Alvarez added she was shocked by the violent intrusion, stating it had shattered her sense of safety.
Friends paid tribute on social media, recalling a woman who brought joy and humour everywhere she went. They vowed to honour her by living out her values, particularly her mantra to "pick joy."
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein offered condolences and referenced the suspect's history, calling for investment in mental and behavioural health systems to help prevent such tragedies. "People need to be safe in their homes and their communities," Governor Stein stated.
