Boyfriend Arrested for Murder of Elementary School Principal in Utica, NY

A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, Elizabeth Gerling, a well-known elementary school principal in the Utica City School District. Jeremy Kirsch, 45, from Camden, was taken into custody on Wednesday, charged with the murder of Gerling, 50, of Marcy.

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at approximately 10 a.m. at 9111 Birch Circle in the Town of Marcy. Upon arrival, deputies found Gerling deceased in her bed. Given the suspicious circumstances, her body was sent to the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

Gerling, the principal of Columbus Elementary School in Utica, was a respected educator and beloved community member. Her death has shocked the community, leaving friends, colleagues, and students grappling with the tragic loss.

The investigation quickly focused on Kirsch, who was identified as having been at the residence the previous night and into the early morning hours. Authorities launched an extensive search for Kirsch, who was eventually located by Rome Police and taken to Rome Memorial Hospital for evaluation.

On Wednesday, August 21, the medical examiner confirmed that Gerling’s death was a homicide, with the cause being asphyxia due to strangulation. Following this determination, investigators questioned Kirsch at the hospital and later transported him to the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building for further questioning. After discussions with law enforcement, Kirsch was formally arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Kirsch was arraigned in Rome City Court on Thursday morning and remanded to the Oneida County Jail without bail.

The investigation remains active, with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office seeking public assistance. They have requested that anyone who may have seen a gray 2019 Ford F350 towing a 2021 R-Pod camper on the morning of August 20 between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. contact them at (315) 765-2226.

While an arrest has been made, the community continues to mourn the loss of Elizabeth Gerling, a principal who was dedicated to her students and school. Her untimely death leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew her.