A man apprehended while running in the streets naked in Rome, New York, has been implicated in the murder of his romantic partner, an elementary school principal.

Jeremy J. Kirch, 45, was charged with second-degree murder after the body of his girlfriend, Elizabeth A. Gerling, 50, was found strangled in her home on August 20, 2024. Gerling served as the principal of Columbus Elementary School in Utica, New York and was the daughter of retired U.S. bankruptcy judge Stephen Gerling.

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office reports that Kirch was at Gerling’s residence in Marcy, a town between Rome and Utica, the night prior to her murder. The pair were in a relationship, and information shared by Kirch during questioning led to his arrest.

The death of Gerling has profoundly affected the educational community, especially as the new academic year was about to start. Dr. Christopher Spence, Utica City School District Superintendent, described her as an exceptional educator and leader and her absence as a significant loss to the community and the students she served.

Prior to the discovery of Gerling’s body, law enforcement officers noticed Kirch’s erratic behavior when he showed up at a stranger’s home, claiming that God had directed him there. Although Gerling was warned about his behavior, she was found dead the next day in her home.

Kirch was later seen naked in the streets of Rome, hours after the murder, leading to his arrest. He was medically evaluated at a hospital before being arraigned in Rome City Court. Kirch is currently detained at Oneida County Jail without bail.

The investigation into Gerling’s murder continues. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information about Kirch’s 2019 Ford F350, which was pulling a 2021 R-Pod camper. A firearm taken from Gerling’s home has not yet been found, and the search is ongoing.

Gerling’s death has left her family, including a son, friends, and students in mourning, as they remember her commitment to the school community. A vigil is being organized in her memory as the Utica community grapples with the tragedy.

Kirch is set to appear in court on November 6. His defense has requested a psychiatric evaluation to assess his mental state at the time of the crime.

As the new school year starts, grief counselors from the Oneida County Department of Mental Health are on standby to provide support for students and faculty affected by Gerling’s death.