A New Jersey resident facing charges of murdering his wife allegedly confessed the crime through messages to relatives. He expressed a “long-simmering hatred” for her in an email before attempting suicide after leaving the crime scene, as revealed by court documents.
Michael A. Kless, 67, has been indicted on first-degree murder charges regarding the death of his 66-year-old wife, Stacy E. Kless, as announced by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago last Friday.
The probable cause affidavit submitted in Monmouth County states that Ocean Township police were alerted around 9:32 a.m. on May 27. An individual called to report that Kless had confessed to killing his wife and expressed suicidal intentions.
Approximately 14 minutes after the initial report, a second person contacted authorities, indicating that Kless had sent an email admitting to the murder of his mother, as outlined in the affidavit.
Stacy E. Kless, aged 66, was discovered deceased in her Ocean Township residence on May 27. Her husband, Michael A. Kless, now faces murder charges related to her death. (Image via Stacy Kless/Facebook)
Investigators later reviewed the email and said it described a “long-simmering hatred” toward Stacy Kless, referenced a new romantic relationship with a woman from Central America and included details of the killing that matched evidence found at the scene, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit states that workers scheduled to perform repairs at the residence arrived at approximately 9:05 a.m. and encountered Kless outside the home.
Investigators said the workers observed a scratch and blood on Kless’ face. He allegedly refused to allow them inside and asked that the appointment be rescheduled.
The Ocean Township, New Jersey, home where authorities say Stacy E. Kless was found dead on May 27. Her husband, Michael A. Kless, has been charged with murder and weapons offenses in connection with her death. (Google Maps)
Ocean Township police officers responded to the couple’s home on Seward Drive and forced entry into the residence to check on the occupants’ welfare.
Officers found Stacy Kless dead in the basement with a barbell resting across her neck and throat, according to court records. She was pronounced dead later that morning.
A sign for the Monmouth Service Area is displayed along the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey. Prosecutors said Michael A. Kless was later found unconscious in his vehicle at a New Jersey rest area after allegedly killing his wife. (Getty Images)
Along with first-degree murder, Kless has been charged with third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. Prosecutors identified the weapon as a barbell.
Court records indicate investigators classified the case as involving domestic violence and determined Kless allegedly attempted to or did strangle the victim during the incident.
Authorities allege Kless fled the residence after the killing. Investigators tracked his vehicle traveling north on the Garden State Parkway before he allegedly contacted another individual and said he was attempting to overdose on medication at a rest stop, according to the affidavit.
The couple’s two adult children later provided investigators with text messages that authorities said contained admissions from their father regarding their mother’s death.
Court records also show investigators seized multiple electronic devices, including phones, during the investigation.
Kless remains hospitalized and is in the custody of the Monmouth County Jail, according to Santiago.
Despite the charges, Kless is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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