At a Glance
- Zoe Welsh, 57, was fatally assaulted while on the phone with 911 after an intruder broke into her Raleigh home on Jan. 3.
- Ryan Camacho, 36, was arrested at the scene and charged with murder and felony burglary.
- Welsh taught science at Ravenscroft School since 2006 and was hailed as a “cornerstone” of the community.
- Why it matters: A veteran educator was killed in her own home despite seeking emergency help, underscoring vulnerability even during a 911 call.
A 6:30 a.m. emergency call turned fatal when Zoe Welsh was attacked while reporting an intruder inside her Clay Street residence. Officers arrived to find the 57-year-old science teacher gravely injured; she later died from a severe head hemorrhage.
The Attack
Dispatchers listened helplessly as the assault unfolded. Police say Ryan Camacho was still inside when they reached Welsh, allowing for an immediate arrest.
Camacho’s record includes:
- Three breaking-and-entering charges in 2025
- A 2021 prison-escape conviction
Community Reaction
Ravenscroft School praised Welsh as a passionate mentor who chaired the Upper School Science Department. Former student Calysa Sauls recalled:
> “She really cared for her students… hearing she died this way is heartbreaking.”
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce expressed gratitude for the rapid response that captured the suspect and voiced sorrow over the “unimaginable trauma” inflicted on Welsh’s family.
Key Takeaways
- Welsh died after dialing 911 during a home invasion
- Camacho is held without bond in Wake County
- The school community mourns a dedicated 18-year educator
As classes resume, Ravenscroft faces the painful task of honoring a teacher whose final moments were spent seeking help that arrived too late.
