OCEAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A local man has been charged with murder following the discovery of his wife’s body in their home, marking a tragic turn in the community. Michael A. Kless, 67, stands accused of killing his wife, Stacy E. Kless, 66, after police responded to two 911 calls reporting the incident on May 27.
Authorities allege that Michael Kless used a barbell to strangle his wife inside their Seward Drive residence. He faces charges of first-degree murder, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The shocking case rapidly progressed after the emergency calls led officers to the scene where they found Stacy Kless deceased, prompting a deeper investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation revealed a complex narrative that included messages sent by Michael Kless to various acquaintances. According to reports, he reached out to individuals claiming he killed his wife and intended to take his own life. Text messages from his adult children also surfaced, where he purportedly admitted to the crime. Investigators later examined an email from Kless that detailed a longstanding resentment toward Stacy, intertwined with references to a new relationship in Central America.
Detectives uncovered additional evidence shortly before their arrival at the home, including a disturbing encounter between Michael Kless and a work crew scheduled for repairs. Workers reported that Kless appeared agitated and bore visible injuries, including what seemed to be blood on his face, which the prosecution argued pointed to his role in the incident. Meanwhile, the defense contended that these injuries resulted from a struggle during a workout, as both had been exercising in their basement gym.
Following the incident, law enforcement tracked Kless’s vehicle to a rest area along the Garden State Parkway. Authorities found him unconscious in his car, which contained empty alcohol containers and prescription medication. Despite serious health concerns, he survived and was later charged, ultimately appearing in court under a not-guilty plea.
During a recent detention hearing, Kless’s public defender characterized the incident as a desperate act of self-defense, claiming that the couple had been engaged in an ordinary workout session when a confrontation escalated. Prosecutors maintained that physical evidence, along with his incriminating communications, supported their argument for holding him without bail.
Court proceedings also revealed a longstanding history of marital strife, with Michael Kless indicating that 18 years prior, Stacy had expressed a loss of love that deeply affected him. Reports included references to an affair he had outside their marriage, a claim he asserted Stacy was aware of. The defense portrayed their relationship as troubled, but insisted that moments of familial unity, such as attending events and spending time with grandchildren, countered the prosecution’s narrative of animosity.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, members of the community came together to honor Stacy, who was remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother. Local officials described her as warm-hearted, and a public celebration of life was scheduled to pay tribute to her legacy.
Michael Kless remains in custody, awaiting the subsequent stages of prosecution as the legal process unfolds in Monmouth County Superior Court. As developments continue to emerge, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities and vulnerabilities within intimate relationships.