NC committee examines involuntary commitment after murder of Raleigh teacher

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A special committee hearing at the North Carolina state legislature is focusing on involuntary commitment and public safety Wednesday, with the murder of a Raleigh teacher expected to be a central topic.

Police charged 36-year-old Ryan Camacho with the murder of Zoe Welsh, who was killed by an intruder at her home in Raleigh.

Camacho previously faced a misdemeanor breaking and entering charge, which was dropped after a mental competency exam determined he could not stand trial. The District Attorney's Office sought his involuntary commitment, but a judge denied the request.

Lawmakers are now examining the gap between the standards for competence to stand trial and those for involuntary commitment.

"I'm hoping to learn from the experts and see what solutions we can come up with," said Ya Liu, a representative of NC House District 21. "I am prepared to ask some questions and to make sure tragic stories like this never happen to another family or resident. This should not be."

The committee agenda includes hearing from mental health experts and reviewing measures that have proven effective elsewhere.