Raleigh, North Carolina — A longtime and beloved North Carolina teacher was killed after calling 911 to report an intruder inside her home, only to be attacked while still on the phone with emergency dispatchers, authorities said.
According to the Raleigh Police Department, Zoe Welsh, 57, dialed 911 at approximately 6:30 a.m. on January 3 to report that someone had broken into her home in the 800 block of Clay Street.
Attack unfolded while victim was on the phone
Police said the situation escalated rapidly as Welsh remained on the line with dispatchers.
“While still on the phone with dispatch, the suspect began to assault her,” police stated in a press release.
Officers rushed to the scene and found Welsh suffering from life-threatening injuries. An officer later reported that she had sustained a severe hemorrhage to the left side of her head, according to records from a call simulcast database cited by the News & Observer.
Welsh was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Suspect arrested and charged with murder
Responding officers quickly identified the suspect as Ryan Camacho, 36. Police said Camacho was taken into custody shortly after the attack and has been charged with murder and felony burglary.
Camacho was denied bond and is currently being held in a Wake County jail, authorities confirmed.
Court records reviewed by local outlets show Camacho had a lengthy criminal history.
According to WBTV, Camacho had been charged with breaking and entering on at least three occasions in 2025.
Camacho was found guilty of escaping prison in Salisbury in 2021.
Victim remembered as dedicated educator
Welsh was a respected educator at Ravenscroft School in North Raleigh, where she had taught for nearly two decades.
Former students described her as passionate and deeply committed to her work.
“She really cared for her students,” said former student Calysa Sauls. “She definitely was one of those teachers who was passionate about the subject that she taught.”
“To hear that she died in this horrific way, it’s heartbreaking,” Sauls added.
School community devastated
In a statement, Ravenscroft School said the campus community is reeling from the loss.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved colleague and friend Zoe Welsh,” the statement read. “Zoe has been a cornerstone of our Upper School Science Department and the Ravenscroft community since 2006.”
The school noted that Welsh had also previously served as science department chair, mentoring both students and fellow educators.
Read Also: Explosive Material Found at Arizona Supreme Court Prompts Emergency Evacuation
Police chief praises officers’ response
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce expressed condolences to Welsh’s family while commending officers involved in the response.
“I am deeply heartbroken for this mother, friend, and mentor to many in our community, and for the unimaginable trauma her family must endure,” Boyce said.
“I am profoundly grateful for the dedication and professionalism of the responding officers, whose swift and diligent actions led to the quick apprehension of the suspect.”
Investigation ongoing
Police have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the break-in or whether Welsh and the suspect knew each other.
Authorities said the investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare the case against Camacho.
The killing has sparked renewed concern over home safety and repeat offenders, particularly in early morning hours when residents may be most vulnerable.
What steps do you think communities and law enforcement can take to better protect residents from repeat offenders? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
