Ryan Camacho Deemed Incapable of Standing Trial for Zoe Welsch Murder

Ryan Camacho, the man charged with killing Raleigh biology teacher Zoe Welsch, is currently unable to stand trial. A state psychologist concluded in a forensic evaluation that Camacho is incapable of proceeding with the case. The document was filed with the Wake County Clerk of Court on Wednesday, October 29.

The evaluation marks a pause in a case that began eight months ago. On January 3, police responded to Welsch's home on Clay Street after she called 911 to report an intruder. She identified the man as a homeless individual she had previously seen at the Fred Fletcher shelter. Camacho was arrested at a separate location shortly after officers arrived on the scene.

Following the arrest, investigators reviewed Camacho's criminal history, which spans the entire state. On February 10, a Wake County grand jury indicted him on charges of first-degree murder and first-degree burglary. The legal process continued through spring as evidence emerged from search warrants and medical records.

On April 14, detectives released interview details showing Camacho referred to Welsch as the lady he killed. He also stated he used a rock as a weapon during the attack. Two months later, on May 6, the autopsy report confirmed Welsch died from blunt force trauma to the head. The report listed skull fractures and internal brain bleeding as the cause of death.

The current status of the case depends on the psychologist's assessment. Until the court addresses this determination, Camacho will not appear before a judge for trial proceedings. The next step involves the court reviewing the forensic evaluation to decide on future scheduling.