Elizabeth Gerling, the principal of the Columbus Elementary School in Utica, NY, was brutally murdered by her boyfriend, a Camden man identified as Jeremy Kirch.
Kirch, 45, spent the night at Gerling’s Marcy home on Monday. Police found her deceased early Tuesday and started their investigations which led them to Kirch.
He was arrested and interrogated leading to him being charged with second degree murder.
Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to a home at 9111 Birch Circle in the Town of Marcy around 10am Tuesday in regards to a deceased person.
Arriving officers found a 50-year-old female deceased in her bed, later identifying her as Elizabeth A. Gerling. Investigations into the death commenced as it was determined her manner of death seemed suspicious.
The Oneida County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide on Wednesday, revealing she had been killed by asphyxia due to strangulation. Investigators had tracked down Kirch on Tuesday and checked him into the Rome Memorial Hospital for evaluation.
Following the coroner’s ruling, he was hauled to the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building for interrogation. Following that, he was charged with second degree murder and transported to the Oneida County Jail where he’s being held without bail.
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Elizabeth Gerling, the Columbus Elementary School principal has been mourned following her passing. She has been described as a dedicated educator whose passion was taking care of her kids and making sure everyone had the best education.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I write to inform you of the tragic passing of Ms. Elizabeth Gerling, our beloved principal at Columbus Elementary School,” Superintendent Christopher Spence wrote in a letter posted to the district website on Wednesday.
“During this tremendously difficult time, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Ms. Gerling’s family. We cannot begin to fathom the depth of their loss, and we extend our utmost support and sympathy to them.”
May she rest in peace.
