Personal safety major concern for neighbors after murder of Raleigh teacher

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — A sense of peace was shattered in a Raleigh community when a beloved teacher and mother was killed only a few yards away from the popular Fletcher Park.

Zoe Welsh was killed inside her home on Clay Street early Saturday morning. Police said an intruder broke into Welsh’s home and attacked her.

“It definitely bothers you,” said Alec Gilmore.

He was in the park across from Welsh’s home on Wednesday afternoon.

“You never want to see anything like that happen. It’s sadly one of those things that feels like it could happen anywhere, but it’s just got to keep yourself safe,” he said.

Since Welsh’s death, there has been a noticeable police presence in the community near Wade Avenue and Saint Mary’s Street.

Raleigh police officers were on motorbikes in the park and in marked cruisers.

Neighbors said the police presence is providing a sense of security, but for some, they want to take their safety a step further.

“People just generally want the comfort of being able to know they can defend themselves, said Billy Dowey.

He is the head instructor of Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Raleigh

Dowey said more people want real-world self-defense training. He’s providing that and more.

“Training would always help, but I mean, just situational awareness, always being aware of where you are, maybe not having your head in your phone while you’re walking down the street,” Dowey explained. “I think one of the biggest things to get people in trouble is just their desire to be polite to someone. Well, hey, can I get a light? Hey, do you have some change? You know, just get away from me. I don’t have time for this. Instead, people will tend to start to engage, which a lot of times could lead to an altercation.”

ABC11 also spoke with a retired police officer.

James Johnson spent decades with the New York City Police Department. Johnson emphasized the importance of community awareness. He encouraged community involvement and neighborhood watch programs to enhance safety.

“Talk about it, you know. Talk about it to your neighbors. This would be a good time for even people in that neighborhood to talk to the police,” Johnson said. “I’m sure they would meet with Chief Rico Boyce, he’s awesome, and I’m sure he’ll be able to kind of help calm those fears and not just calm them, just by giving talks, but calm them by real-life solutions and prevention methods.”