Raleigh teacher fatally attacked while on phone with police, reporting burglary
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Teacher slain in Raleigh
Zoe Welsh, a well-known teacher at Raleigh’s Ravenscroft School, was killed in a burglary at her home off of St. Mary’s Street early Jan. 3, 2026. Ryan Camacho has been charged with her murder, with court records showing he has a long history of mental health troubles. Here’s ongoing coverage from The News & Observer.
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A widely known teacher at Raleigh’s Ravenscroft School died after a burglary at her home off of St. Mary’s Street near Fred Fletcher Park early Saturday morning, police said.
Police said officers responded at 6:30 a.m. to a report of a burglary in progress at a home in the 800 block of Clay Street. While the victim was still on the phone with police, the burglar began to attack her, police said.
When officers arrived, they found the victim — identified as Zoe Welsh — suffering from life-threatening injuries, police said. They did not describe the nature of the injuries. Welsh was taken to a local hospital, where she died.
Additional officers searched the neighborhood around the home and arrested the suspected burglar, identified as Ryan Camacho, 36. He has been charged with murder and felony burglary.
“The Ravenscroft community is devastated by the loss of our beloved colleague and friend Zoe Welsh,” a spokesperson for the school told ABC11, The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner. “Zoe has been a cornerstone of our Upper School 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 classroom.”
Welsh has been teaching at Ravenscroft since 2006 and has been a teacher since 1992, according to the school’s website. She most recently taught AP Biology and Forensic Science.
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce issued a statement about the killing: “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.”
Police provided no additional information about Camacho. They said their investigation is continuing.
This story was originally published January 3, 2026 at 5:14 PM.
