Marcy, New York – The community is in shock after the tragic death of Elizabeth A. Gerling, the beloved principal of Columbus Elementary School in Utica. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, deputies from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at 9111 Birch Circle in the Town of Marcy at approximately 10 a.m., where they discovered Gerling, 50, deceased in her bed.
The circumstances surrounding her death were immediately deemed suspicious, leading to an investigation by uniformed patrol, criminal, and forensic investigators. Authorities identified Gerling’s boyfriend, Jeremy J. Kirch, 45, from Camden, as having been at the residence the night before her death. Efforts to locate Kirch were initiated, and he was eventually found by the Rome Police Department and taken to Rome Memorial Hospital for evaluation.
On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Gerling’s death a homicide, citing asphyxia due to strangulation as the cause. Following this revelation, investigators from the criminal investigation unit questioned Kirch at the hospital. After a brief conversation, he was transported to the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building for further interrogation.
Kirch was subsequently arrested for second-degree murder and arraigned in Rome City Court, where he was remanded to the Oneida County Jail without bail. The Oneida County District Attorney’s Office is assisting in the ongoing investigation.
The death of Elizabeth Gerling has deeply affected the Utica community, where she was a well-respected educator. Many have taken to social media to express their grief and call for justice.
Gina Kennedy Kerr shared, "How sad! Prayers to her family, friends, and all the students she left behind."
Denise Brasiel commented, "Prayers for the family. Keep him locked up."
Louis Faga expressed, "His actions have now negatively affected the lives of hundreds of people and children. He should be punished to the fullest extent possible. Insanity will not and should not hold up, and enough people should know that. #justiceforLiz."
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek information from the public, particularly from anyone who may have seen a gray 2019 Ford F350 towing a 2021 R-Pod camper on August 20 between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Those with information are urged to contact the sheriff’s office at (315) 765-2226.
As the investigation proceeds, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated educator and supports her family in this difficult time.