Teacher Murdered During 911 Call Shocks Raleigh
This is awful and sudden. A Raleigh teacher, 57-year-old Zoe Welsh, was found with life-threatening injuries after a reported burglary at her home over the weekend. She was taken to a hospital and later died.
Witnesses and local reports say Welsh was on the phone with 911 dispatchers when the intruder began assaulting her. Police later arrested 36-year-old Ryan Camacho and charged him with murder.
Welsh taught AP biology and forensic science at Ravenscroft School. She’d been there since 2006. Students and coworkers say she brought joy and humor into the room. Her friends and the school community are grieving.
Olivia Alvarez, who worked as Welsh’s house cleaner, said, “I’ll remember her smile; she was always happy.” She added, “I love you, Zoe, so much, you are now with God, and this man is going to pay, he’s going to pay.”
Reports from local media and court records say the suspect has a lengthy arrest history. ABC11 court records show dozens of arrests. He was found guilty in 2021 of escaping from a prison in Salisbury.
Sources say another recent case — a breaking-and-entering charge — was dismissed last month after a judge found the defendant incapable of proceeding. The assistant district attorney reportedly asked the court to commit him voluntarily for treatment, but the court denied that request.
People who knew Welsh are remembering her and sharing grief online. A Ravenscroft School spokesperson said her death “is deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of working with her and learning in her classroom.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein released a statement eulogizing Welsh while urging more mental health funding and accountability for violent offenders. He said, “Zoe Welsh, by all accounts, was a special teacher and person. My heart goes out to her family and students, who have suffered a traumatic loss from another senseless act of violence,” and added, “We must invest in our mental and behavioral health system, which my public safety package would address.”
He also said, “People need to be safe in their homes and their communities. I will work with anyone who is committed to stopping crimes before they happen and holding violent criminals accountable.”
The case is now in the hands of Raleigh police and local prosecutors. Friends, former students, and colleagues continue to post memories and condolences. The school community is planning ways to honor her life.
This is a developing local story. Authorities continue their investigation and have not released a full timeline of events. Anyone with information is asked to contact Raleigh police.