The final moments of Zoe Welsh, a beloved North Carolina teacher, were captured in a frantic 911 call made in the early morning hours of January 3, after a man broke into her home in the city of Raleigh.

According to WRAL, Welsh authorities alerted that an intruder had entered through a window of her home. “A man just came in through the window,” she told the operator, describing the suspect as a homeless person she had previously seen at Fred Fletcher Park.

Shortly after, the teacher confirmed that the man was still inside the house. According to the report, the intruder broke a window with a brick, entered the kitchen, took something from the refrigerator, and then attacked her.

“He hit me with a brick. I'm on my bedroom floor,” Welsh managed to say during the call.

Police Response and Victim's Death

Raleigh Police stated that officers responded to the residence at 6:33 am after receiving the burglary report. While Welsh was still speaking with the 911 operator, the assailant began punching her. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the teacher with life-threatening injuries. They provided immediate first aid, and she was transported to a local hospital, where she died despite medical efforts. Additional officers searched the surrounding area and located the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Ryan Camacho, who was taken into custody without incident. Raleigh Police reported that Camacho was charged with murder and aggravated burglary. Court records indicate he is being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on January 26. He has not yet entered a plea to the murder charge.

A Long Criminal History

Court documents and WRAL reports indicate that Camacho is a repeat offender with more than a decade of criminal history in several North Carolina counties. At the time of his arrest, he was listed as indigent and homeless.

In the last four years, he was arrested at least six times, although several of those cases were dismissed. In 2016,he pleaded guilty to property damage after throwing a rock at a vehicle and was sent to prison, with a subsequent order to undergo mental health treatment.

In 2019, he faced eight criminal charges after allegedly shooting at a home in Raleigh. Following a plea agreement, he received a sentence of at least two years in prison, followed by post-release supervision and probation.

He subsequently violated those conditions and was re-incarcerated several times.

The North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections confirmed that Camacho was repeatedly placed under supervision after his release from prison, although it noted that specific details are protected by confidentiality rules.

Shock and Mourning in the Community

Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said the murder has deeply shaken the community.

“I am deeply heartbroken for this mother, friend, and mentor to so many,” he said, while praising the officers' swift action that led to the suspect's capture.

Friends and colleagues remembered Welsh for her dedication and joy. “She brought humor and warmth to every room,” said Angie, a close friend and former colleague. “The best way to honor her is to live by her values.” Ravenscroft School, where Welsh had worked since 2006, mourned her death in a statement highlighting her key role in the Science Department and her leadership as former head of that department. The school announced it is offering psychological support and bereavement counseling to students, teachers, and staff as the community processes the loss. He received a sentence of at least two years in prison, followed by post-release supervision and parole. He subsequently violated those conditions and was re-incarcerated several times.

The North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections confirmed that Camacho was repeatedly placed under supervision after his release from prison, although it noted that specific details are protected by confidentiality rules.

Shock and Mourning in the Community

Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said the murder has deeply shaken the community.

“I am deeply heartbroken for this mother, friend, and mentor to so many,” he said, while praising the officers' swift action that led to the suspect's capture.

Friends and colleagues remembered Welsh for her dedication and joy. “She brought humor and warmth to every room,” said Angie, a close friend and former colleague. “The best way to honor her is to live by her values.” Ravenscroft School, where Welsh had worked since 2006, mourned her death in a statement highlighting her key role in the Science Department and her leadership as former head of that department. The school announced it is offering psychological support and bereavement counseling to students, teachers, and staff as the community processes the loss.He received a sentence of at least two years in prison, followed by post-release supervision and parole. He subsequently violated those conditions and was re-incarcerated several times.

The North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections confirmed that Camacho was repeatedly placed under supervision after his release from prison, although it noted that specific details are protected by confidentiality rules.

Shock and Mourning in the Community

Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said the murder has deeply shaken the community.

“I am deeply heartbroken for this mother, friend, and mentor to so many,” he said, while praising the officers' swift action that led to the suspect's capture.

Friends and colleagues remembered Welsh for her dedication and joy. “She brought humor and warmth to every room,” said Angie, a close friend and former colleague. “The best way to honor her is to live by her values.” Ravenscroft School, where Welsh had worked since 2006, mourned her death in a statement highlighting her key role in the Science Department and her leadership as former head of that department. The school announced it is offering psychological support and bereavement counseling to students, teachers, and staff as the community processes the loss.