Wake County grand jury indicts Ryan Camacho in Zoe Welsh killing

A Wake County grand jury has formally indicted Ryan Camacho on charges connected to the January killing of Ravenscroft School teacher Zoe Welsh inside her home. The indictment means prosecutors can pursue the case in superior court, a procedural step that will determine arraignment and pretrial scheduling.

Local reports differ on the precise statutory language. ABC11 and Spectrum News 1 report Camacho faces charges of "first-degree murder and first-degree burglary." Hoodline, citing court documents reported by CBS17, says the grand jury returned indictments for "first-degree murder and first-degree robbery." Hoodline also noted that a "true bill" means jurors found there was probable cause to move the charges forward.

Authorities say the attack occurred during a reported break-in while Welsh was on a 911 call. ABC11 reported, "She was on the phone with 911 when she was attacked." Hoodline and Spectrum News 1 give a more specific date, saying Camacho is accused of breaking into Welsh’s home on Jan. 3 and that she "later succumbed to her injuries." Location descriptions in local coverage vary: ABC11 places the residence "inside the beltline near Wade Avenue and St. Mary’s Street," while Hoodline identifies Clay Street in the Fletcher Park area.

Welsh, 57, taught science and biology at Ravenscroft School. Hoodline reported that the school described Welsh as "a cornerstone of our Upper School Science Department." Ravenscroft has made counselors available to students and staff, and ABC11 reported the school is planning a celebration of life for Welsh on March 29.

Camacho, 36, remains in the Wake County Detention Center. Spectrum News 1 reports he has "a criminal history that includes misdemeanors and violent felonies dating from 2005," and that his next court appearance is set for March 25. Hoodline reminded readers of the gravity of a murder charge under state law, reporting that "first-degree murder is a Class A felony that can be punished by death or life without the possibility of parole, according to the state statute."

Neighbors told local reporters the killing "shook the Fletcher Park area" and prompted an increased police presence, signaling immediate community concern about safety in a neighborhood where many residents walk to nearby schools, parks, and small businesses. For Wake County residents, the indictment shifts the case from investigation to prosecution and raises questions about neighborhood security, offender reentry and monitoring, and public-safety resources.

The coming weeks will focus on formal arraignment and the superior court calendar, with prosecutors and defense counsel preparing for pretrial proceedings. Residents seeking updates should expect additional local reporting as court filings and official statements clarify the exact charges and next steps.