A cherished educator, considered the “pillar” of a North Carolina school’s science department, tragically lost her life when an intruder entered her residence and committed murder, according to police reports.

The Raleigh Police Department reported receiving an emergency call around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday from a home located in the 800 block of Clay Street. The victim, identified as Zoe Welsh, had called 911 to alert authorities about an intruder. During this call, the suspect began attacking Welsh, according to police.

Upon arrival, officers discovered Welsh suffering from critical injuries. They administered first aid until paramedics could transport her to the hospital, where she was later declared deceased. The specific cause of her death has not been disclosed by authorities.

In the aftermath, officers canvassing the area arrested 36-year-old Ryan Camacho, who was identified as the suspect. He is currently facing charges for murder and felony burglary. It remains uncertain whether Camacho had any prior connection to Welsh.

Raleigh Police Chief Ricco Boyce issued a statement regarding the incident:

I am deeply heartbroken for this mother, friend, and mentor to many in our community, and for the unimaginable trauma her family must endure. We extend our deepest sympathy to Ms. Welsh’s family during this incredibly difficult time.

Whenever there is a loss of life in our community, it affects us all. As a department, we share in the sadness of this loss. The arrest of the suspect sends a strong message that criminal acts will not be tolerated in the City of Raleigh.

I am profoundly grateful for the dedication and professionalism of the responding officers, whose swift and diligent actions led to the quick apprehension of the suspect in this case.

Local ABC affiliate WTVD reported that Welsh was a teacher at Ravenscroft, a private K-12 school. According to Welsh’s LinkedIn page, she’s worked at the school for nearly two decades.

“The Ravenscroft community is devastated by the loss of our beloved colleague and friend Zoe Welsh,” a spokesperson for the school told WTVD. “Zoe has been a cornerstone of our Upper School Science Department and the Ravenscroft community for years. Her loss is deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of working with her and learning in her classroom.”

Camacho is at the Wake County Detention Center without bond. He’s slated to appear in court on Monday. North Carolina Department of Corrections records show Camacho has an extensive criminal history and spent more than five years in prison for discharging a firearm. He was released in July.