Man confesses to fatal rock assault on teacher in home intrusion

A North Carolina man suspected of killing a cherished teacher during a home invasion revealed shocking statements during a police interview, according to a newly released warrant.

"Is this regarding the woman whose head I hit with a rock," 37-year-old Ryan Camacho reportedly asked the detectives, mentioning the 57-year-old victim Zoe Welsh. "The woman I murdered[?]"

Camacho faces charges of homicide and felony breaking and entering in connection with Welsh's death. The probable cause document surfaced in the Wake County judicial records on April 8.

Police responded around 6:30am on January 3 to a residence in the 800 block of Clay Street in Raleigh after Welsh reached out to 911, reporting the sound of glass shattering in her home and discovering a man "rummaging through her kitchen." During her call with dispatch, the individual began attacking Welsh, officers stated.

Authorities quickly arrived, finding Welsh with critical injuries. They provided assistance until medical personnel arrived and took her to the hospital. Sadly, she was declared dead shortly afterwards. Evidence indicated Camacho entered through a front window.

A police canine led officers to an apartment about a half-mile away. They discovered a broken window there and found Camacho with bloodstained hands. It was later revealed Camacho had once resided in the apartment before being evicted, according to the warrant.

Camacho was apprehended and subsequently reportedly confessed to Welsh's murder. 

The reason for targeting Welsh's residence is unclear, although Welsh informed dispatchers she recognized Camacho from seeing him at Fred Fletcher Park, just across the street from her home.

Authorities have yet to explain a potential motive for the killing. A forensic evaluator informed the court that Camacho has "a history of diagnosed mental health issues."

As Law&Crime reported earlier, Welsh was an admired educator and considered the "cornerstone" of the Ravenscroft community, a private school serving K-12 students. Welsh's LinkedIn profile shows she served the school for almost two decades.

"The Ravenscroft family is shattered by the passing of our cherished colleague and friend Zoe Welsh," a spokesperson shared with the local ABC affiliate WTVD. "Zoe has been integral to our Upper School Science Department and the Ravenscroft community for several years. We deeply feel her absence among those of us who had the opportunity to collaborate and learn in her classroom."

Camacho is detained at the Wake County Detention Center without bond. His court appearance is scheduled for April 30. 

North Carolina Department of Corrections records reflect Camacho’s extensive criminal past, including more than five years in prison for firing a weapon. He was released in July.