New Jersey Man Accused of Killing Wife with Barbell

Michael A. Kless, aged 67, faces first-degree murder charges for the death of his wife, Stacy E. Kless, aged 66, as announced by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Court documents reveal that Kless allegedly confessed to family members through messages and detailed a longstanding animosity toward his wife in an email. He reportedly attempted suicide after the incident, according to the records.

The incident came to light when Ocean Township police received a call on May 27 at around 9:32 a.m. from a person who reported Kless had admitted to killing his wife and expressed plans to take his own life. A second caller informed the police 14 minutes later, stating that Kless had sent an email confessing to his wife’s murder.

Investigators reviewed the email, which depicted a ‘long-simmering hatred’ for Stacy Kless and mentioned a new romantic involvement with a woman from Central America. The email also contained specific details about the murder that were consistent with the evidence found at the scene.

On the morning of the incident, workers scheduled for home repairs arrived around 9:05 a.m. They encountered Kless outside, noting a scratch and some blood on his face. He reportedly prevented them from entering and requested the appointment be rescheduled.

Police officers forced entry into the Kless residence after being alerted, discovering Stacy Kless deceased with a barbell across her neck. She was pronounced dead later that morning.

Kless has further been charged with third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, identified as a barbell. Court records reveal it as a domestic violence case, with accusations of strangulation involved in the incident.

Authorities tracked Kless’s car traveling north on the Garden State Parkway after the murder. He later contacted another individual, discussing an attempted overdose at a rest stop, based on the affidavit.

The couple’s children provided evidence of text messages from their father admitting to their mother’s death. Investigators seized various electronic devices during the inquiry. Kless remains hospitalized under the custody of the Monmouth County Jail, as informed by Santiago.

Despite these accusations, Kless is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.