Raleigh teacher killed after suspect with over 20 prior arrests breaks into her home, assaults her

A Raleigh teacher is dead after a man with a lengthy criminal history allegedly broke into her home and assaulted her.

Zoe Welsh called 911 around 6:33 am from her Raleigh residence to report that a man was inside her home. While she was on the phone with dispatchers, the suspect began assaulting her. Officers arrived and found Welsh suffering from life-threatening injuries. She was transported to a hospital, where she ultimately died.

The suspect was identified as 36-year-old Ryan Camacho. He has been charged with murder and felony burglary. Police said there is no evidence at this time that Camacho knew Welsh.

Court records show Camacho has a criminal history spanning more than a decade, with more than 20 prior arrests. In many cases, he was charged with misdemeanors, or the cases were ultimately dismissed. 

In 2021, Camacho was arrested after escaping from state prison, where he had been serving time after pleading guilty to shooting into occupied property.

Just last month, breaking or entering charges against Camacho in a separate case were dismissed following a mental competency examination. Prosecutors requested during the hearing that Camacho be involuntarily committed, but the request was denied by a judge, according to a report by WRAL News.

Welsh was a science teacher at Ravenscroft School and served as chair of the science department, according to the school’s website. In a statement, the school said her loss is “deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of working with her and learning in her classroom,” and said it would provide grief counseling and additional resources to students and staff.

"I am deeply heartbroken for this mother, friend, and mentor to many in our community, and for the unimaginable trauma her family must endure," said Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce. "We extend our deepest sympathy to Ms. Welsh's family during this incredibly difficult time."