Celebration of Life Held for Slain Ravenscroft Teacher

Ravenscroft School honors longtime educator Zoe Welsh, killed in her home earlier this year.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single memorial candle, its flame flickering against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic to represent the somber mood of the celebration of life.The somber memorial for a beloved teacher's life cut short underscores the community's grief and the need for greater public safety measures.Today in Raleigh

Ravenscroft School, a private institution in Raleigh, North Carolina, held a celebration of life on Sunday for Zoe Welsh, a 20-year teacher at the school who was murdered in her home in January 2026. Welsh was allegedly killed by Ryan Camacho, 36, during an attempted burglary, though the two did not appear to know each other.

Why it matters

The tragic death of a beloved and long-serving teacher has deeply impacted the Ravenscroft community, prompting the school to organize a memorial service to honor Welsh's life and legacy. The case also raises broader questions about repeat offenders and public safety in the Raleigh area.

The details

According to court documents, Camacho has an extensive criminal history spanning over a decade in both Wake and Durham counties, with more than 20 prior arrests. He was charged with Welsh's murder and remains in jail. The memorial service, which was moved several times due to winter weather, was not open to the public or the media.

  • Zoe Welsh was killed on January 3, 2026.
  • The celebration of life was held on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Zoe Welsh

A 20-year teacher at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, North Carolina, who was tragically murdered in her home earlier this year.

Ryan Camacho

A 36-year-old man charged with the murder of Zoe Welsh during an alleged attempted burglary, despite the two not appearing to have known each other. Camacho has a lengthy criminal history with over 20 prior arrests.

Ravenscroft School

A private school in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Zoe Welsh taught for 20 years and where the celebration of life was held.

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What they’re saying

“She really cared for her students. She definitely was one of those teachers who was passionate about the subject that she taught.”

— Calysa Sauls, Former student of Zoe Welsh

The takeaway

The tragic loss of Zoe Welsh, a beloved and long-serving teacher at Ravenscroft School, has deeply impacted the local community and raised broader questions about public safety and the criminal justice system's handling of repeat offenders in the Raleigh area.