A New Jersey man is accused of murdering his wife with a barbell and allegedly confessed to the crime in messages to family members. He then attempted suicide, according to court documents.
Accusation and Arrest
Michael A. Kless, age 67, faces charges of first-degree murder in the death of his 66-year-old wife, Stacy E. Kless. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced the charges last Friday.
Initial Reports and Investigation
A probable cause affidavit from Monmouth County reveals that on May 27, around 9:32 a.m., Ocean Township police received a call. A caller reported that Kless admitted to killing his wife and planned to take his own life. A second call, 14 minutes later, included an email confession from Kless stating he had murdered his wife.
“Long-simmering hatred”,”new romantic relationship with a woman from Central America,” are details found in Kless’ email, matching evidence at the scene.
Investigators report that repair workers arrived at the Kless residence around 9:05 a.m. They encountered Kless, who had visible injuries. He refused entry to the workers, rescheduling the appointment.
Scene of the Crime
Police entered the home on Seward Drive after forced entry and discovered Stacy Kless deceased in the basement. A barbell was found resting across her neck and throat. She was pronounced dead later that morning.
Prosecutors say Kless was charged with third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, identifying the barbell as the weapon involved.
Kless’s Actions After the Crime
Authorities say Kless fled the scene. His vehicle was tracked moving north on the Garden State Parkway. He contacted another person and revealed his suicide attempt by medication overdose at a rest stop.
The couple’s two adult children provided text messages to investigators containing admissions by Kless regarding the murder.
Several electronic devices, including phones, were seized during the investigation. Kless remains hospitalized under custody at the Monmouth County Jail.
Despite the charges, Kless maintains the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court.