Ravenscroft teacher Zoe Welsh, killed during a Raleigh home invasion in the 800 block of Clay Street; Ryan Camacho charged

RALEIGH, North Carolina — A North Carolina teacher was killed Saturday morning after a deadly break-in at his home, police said.

Officers responded just after 6:30 a.m. local time to the 800 block of Clay Street and found a woman seriously injured.

Zoe Welsh, a teacher at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, received aid and was rushed to hospital, but died from her injuries.

Police learned Welsh called 911 to say a man was at her home. While she was still on the phone with dispatch, the intruder attacked and beat her.

“The Ravenscroft community is devastated by the loss of our beloved colleague and friend Zoe Welsh,” a school spokesperson told our sister station ABC11 in Raleigh. “Zoe has been a cornerstone of our Upper School’s science department and the Ravenscroft community for years. Her loss is deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of working with her and learning in her class.”

Other officers responding to the area found the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Ryan Camacho. He was taken into custody and questioned.

Camacho was later charged with murder and burglary.

Neighbors in the area said they didn’t recognize Camacho and couldn’t believe this type of crime happened in their neighborhood.

“It’s devastating for the people that live in this neighborhood, it’s crazy, a little shocking. Hearing about this happening so close to me, I literally live right down the street, I really don’t know what I can do,” said Joshua Carpenter, a neighbor of Welsh.

Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce released a statement on the incident, saying: “I am deeply heartbroken for this mother, friend and mentor to many in our community, and for the unimaginable trauma her family must endure. We extend our deepest sympathy to Ms. Welsh’s family during this incredibly difficult time.

Any time there is a loss of life in our community, it affects us all. As a ministry, we share the sadness of this loss. The suspect’s arrest sends a strong message that criminal acts will not be tolerated in the City of Raleigh.

I am deeply grateful for the dedication and professionalism of the responding officers, whose quick and diligent actions led to the quick arrest of the suspect in this case. »

The matter remains under investigation.

“We are providing grief counseling and support resources to faculty, staff and students as we all return to campus on Monday,” a Ravenscroft spokesperson said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

ABC11’s Diane Wilson contributed.