New Jersey Man Charged with Wife’s Murder Admits Guilt in Messages

A man from New Jersey, Michael A. Kless, aged 67, faces first-degree murder charges for allegedly killing his wife, 66-year-old Stacy E. Kless, with a barbell. Monmouth County Prosecutor, Raymond S. Santiago, announced the charges last Friday.

According to court documents, Ocean Township police received a call on May 27th around 9:32 a.m. The caller reported that Kless had confessed to killing his wife and expressed intentions to commit suicide. Another caller, 14 minutes later, claimed that Kless had admitted to the murder in an email.

“Long-simmering hatred”

The email described a “long-simmering hatred” towards Stacy. It also mentioned Kless’s new romantic involvement with a woman from Central America. The email contained details of the murder that matched evidence found by investigators.

Repair workers arrived at the Kless residence at approximately 9:05 a.m. They encountered Kless outside the home, noting scratches and blood on his face. Kless allegedly refused them entry and requested rescheduling of the repairs.

Police officers forced entry into the residence on Seward Drive to check on the occupants. They discovered Stacy Kless deceased in the basement with a barbell on her neck and throat.

Michael Kless also faces charges for third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. The barbell used in the incident was identified as the weapon involved.

Authorities classified the case as domestic violence. They allege that Kless attempted to or did strangle the victim. After the murder, Kless reportedly fled the scene. His vehicle was tracked moving north on the Garden State Parkway. Kless allegedly contacted another person, stating he was attempting an overdose at a rest stop.

The couple’s two adult children provided investigators with text messages wherein their father admitted to the killing. Investigators seized multiple electronic devices during their investigation.

Kless remains hospitalized, under custody at Monmouth County Jail. Prosecutor Santiago emphasized that despite the charges, Kless is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.