Executive Summary
- Ryan Camacho was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and robbery.
- The victim, Zoe Welsh, was a 57-year-old Raleigh school teacher.
- 911 transcripts indicate the victim was struck with a brick during a home invasion.
- Court documents show the suspect has a 20-year history of criminal accusations.
RALEIGH, N.C. — A Wake County grand jury has formally indicted Ryan Camacho on charges of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery in connection with the death of a local school teacher, according to court documents filed this week.
The indictment, returned as a "true bill," signifies that at least 12 grand jurors determined there was sufficient evidence to charge Camacho, 36, with the crimes. Authorities accuse Camacho of killing 57-year-old Zoe Welsh during a home invasion at her residence on Clay Street in early January.
Evidence released by the Raleigh Police Department, including transcripts of 911 calls made during the incident, details the alleged assault. According to the transcripts, Welsh told dispatchers she had been struck in the head with a brick during the break-in. Welsh was identified as a mother and a school teacher within the community.
Court filings reveal that Camacho has a history of criminal accusations dating back 20 years. Documented charges include prior instances of breaking into buildings and larceny, specifically the theft of food and beverage items.
Judicial Proceedings and Legal Context
The issuance of a true bill transfers the case to the Superior Court for trial, marking a pivotal shift from the investigation to prosecution. First-degree murder and robbery are among the most serious felonies under North Carolina law, requiring the state to prove premeditation or the commission of a felony during the act. It is important to note that an indictment serves only as a formal accusation, and Ryan Camacho is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
