RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Reaction poured in this weekend after a beloved Ravenscroft School teacher was killed inside her Raleigh home.

Zoe Welsh was killed by an intruder at her home on Clay Street near Wade Avenue and St. Mary’s on Saturday morning.

Throughout the day, friends and loved ones left flowers at her home. Welsh was being remembered as a bright light, inside and outside the classroom — an inspiring biology teacher and a great mom.

“I’ll remember her smile; she was always happy,” said Olivia Alvarez.

Alvarez has known Welsh for years and worked inside her home as a house cleaner.

She said she was shocked to learn that someone had broken into the same home she worked in every week.

“I always feel safe on every house, but now I’m scared,” she said.

This man is going to pay, he’s going to pay.
– Olivia Alvarez, house cleaner and friend

On Saturday morning, Welsh called 911 and was on the phone with dispatch as an intruder came into her home and assaulted her. When officers arrived, she was taken to a hospital but later died.

Welsh was also remembered by students and staffers at Ravenscroft; the school said in a statement that “her loss is deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of working with her and learning in her classroom.”

Suspect has long criminal record

The suspect, 36-year-old Ryan Camacho, has been charged with murder and felony burglary.

Ryan Camacho
Ryan Camacho
Raleigh Police Department

According to court records obtained by ABC11, Camacho had been arrested two dozen times and was once found guilty of escaping prison in Salisbury in 2021.

Just last month, a separate case for breaking and entering was dismissed by a Wake County judge after Camacho was found incapable to proceed. In that case, the assistant district attorney tried to have Camacho voluntarily committed, but the court denied that request.

Now, Welsh’s friend and house cleaner wants to see justice served.

“I love you, Zoe, so much, you are now with God, and this man is going to pay, he’s going to pay,” Alvarez said.

Ravenscroft will have grief counselors on hand as students return to school on Monday.

Meanwhile, Camacho is due in court Monday.