A naked man seen wandering through an upstate New York neighborhood has been charged in the fatal strangulation of a beloved elementary school principal.
Jeremy Kirch, 45, stands accused of second-degree murder in connection with the death of his 50-year-old girlfriend Elizabeth Gerling, according to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge, according to the Rome Sentinel.
Kirch was allegedly at Gerling's Utica, New York, home from Monday evening through Tuesday morning, during which he allegedly strangled her to death in bed, according to investigators.
He was taken into custody hours later when was seen running naked through the neighborhood, the Utica Observer-Dispatch reported.
During police questioning, Kirch "made some statements with his involvement in the crime," Undersheriff Joseph Lis alleged.
Authorities did not elaborate on a motive in the alleged slaying.
Gerling served as principal at Columbus Elementary School in Utica, New York.
"Miss Gerling was an amazing educator, a beloved principal and dear friend to so many throughout the entire community," Sheriff Robert Maciol said, according to the Sentinel. "It's just a tragedy for the community. Obviously she was very beloved by many, many people in the community."
