Raleigh, NC – Teacher Zoe Welsh Slain During Home Burglary; Suspect Charged with Murder
In a shocking and tragic turn of events, Zoe Welsh, a beloved science teacher at Ravenscroft School, was killed during a burglary at her home on Clay Street in Raleigh early Saturday morning. Welsh, who served as the chair of the Upper School science department, was attacked after calling 911 to report an intruder inside her residence. Despite the heroic efforts of responding officers to save her life, Welsh succumbed to her injuries after being transported to the hospital. Ryan Camacho, 36, was arrested nearby and charged with murder and felony burglary. The community is in mourning, as they remember Welsh’s dedication to her students and her role as a respected mentor.
Police were dispatched to the 800 block of Clay Street at 6:33 a.m. after Welsh’s emergency call. While still on the line with dispatchers, Welsh was assaulted by the intruder, who reportedly beat her as officers raced to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found Welsh critically injured, quickly administered aid, and rushed her to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead from the injuries she sustained during the attack. The loss has left the Ravenscroft School community in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the senseless violence that claimed the life of one of their own.
The suspect, Ryan Camacho, was taken into custody shortly after the crime, as law enforcement officers canvassed the area for leads. While authorities have yet to reveal the motive behind the crime or any connection between Camacho and Welsh, the investigation remains ongoing. Police have emphasized that they are working diligently to uncover any additional details that may explain the circumstances surrounding Welsh’s tragic death. Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce expressed his heartbreak over the crime, describing Welsh as not just a teacher, but a “mother, friend, and mentor” to many. “The swift actions of our officers ensured the suspect’s quick apprehension,” Boyce said, reaffirming the department’s commitment to zero tolerance for violent crimes in the community.
As the investigation continues, Welsh’s colleagues and the Ravenscroft School community have been left reeling from the loss of an educator who made a profound impact on her students and peers. Welsh’s dedication to her students, her love for teaching, and her work as a mentor left an indelible mark on the school. The private PreK-12 school, where Welsh had served for many years, described her as an “esteemed” teacher whose absence would leave a void that would be hard to fill. Welsh’s legacy is one of kindness, knowledge, and a passion for science, and her tragic death has left her community and family grieving deeply.