New Jersey man accused of barbell murder allegedly confessed to family

A New Jersey man accused of killing his wife with a barbell allegedly confessed to the murder in messages to family members, detailed his “long-simmering hatred” for his wife in an email, and then attempted suicide after fleeing the scene, according to court records.

Michael A. Kless, 67, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, Stacy E. Kless, 66, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced last Friday.

According to a probable cause filed in Monmouth County, Ocean Township police received a call around 9:32 a.m. May 27 from a person who said Kless had contacted him and said he had killed his wife and was planning to kill himself.

A second caller contacted police about 14 minutes later and reported that Kless had sent an email confessing to killing his mother, the affidavit said.

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Investigators later reviewed the email and said it described a “long-simmering hatred” for Stacy Kless, referenced a new romantic relationship with a woman from Central America and contained details of the murder that matched evidence found at the scene, according to the affidavit.

Workers scheduled to make repairs to the home arrived around 9:05 a.m. and encountered Kless outside the home, the affidavit states.

Investigators said workers saw a scratch and blood on Kless’ face. He allegedly refused to let them in and asked for the appointment to be rescheduled.

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Ocean Township, New Jersey, where authorities said Stacy E. Kless was found dead May 27. Her husband, Michael A. Kless, was 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.

Officers found Stacy Kless dead in the basement with a barbell pressed to her neck and throat, according to court records. He was pronounced dead later that morning.

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A sign for the Monmouth Service Area is displayed along the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey. Michael A. Kless was later found unconscious in his vehicle at a New Jersey rest area after allegedly killing his wife, prosecutors said. (Getty Images)

In addition to first-degree murder, Kless is also charged with third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. Prosecutors determined the weapon was a barbell.

Investigators classified the case as domestic violence and determined that Kless allegedly attempted to strangle or choked the victim during the incident, court records show.

Authorities allege Kless ran away from home after the murder. Investigators allegedly followed his vehicle as he drove north on the Garden State Parkway before he allegedly came into contact with another person and told them he was trying to overdose at a rest stop, according to the affidavit.

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The couple’s two adult children later gave investigators text messages that authorities said contained their father’s confessions about their mother’s death.

Court records also show that during the investigation, investigators seized numerous electronic devices, including phones.

Kless remains hospitalized and remains in custody at the Monmouth County Jail, according to Santiago.

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Despite the charges, Kless is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.