A New Jersey man, Michael A. Kless, 67, is charged with first-degree murder after allegedly killing his wife of nearly 40 years, Stacy E. Kless, 66. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office said he also faces charges for unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Fatal Attack
Police responded around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday to a home in the 100 block of Seward Drive, Ocean Township, after receiving reports of a murder. Inside, officers found Stacy Kless “obviously deceased.” Michael Kless was later found unconscious in his vehicle at a Garden State Parkway rest stop and rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Motive and Evidence
According to a probable cause arrest warrant obtained by Asbury Park Press, Kless sent texts to his two adult children and an email to another person admitting to the murder. The messages reportedly revealed a “long-simmering hatred” of his wife and mentioned his affair with a woman from Central America. Details in the email matched the crime scene evidence.
Community Reaction
Ocean Township Mayor John P. Napolitani Sr. said the murder shocked the community. “Nobody saw this coming,” he said. The couple had been married 39 years and had grandchildren, leaving neighbors and local residents blindsided by the tragedy.
Timeline
Police learned that roughly 30 minutes before the 911 calls, a work crew had arrived for a scheduled home repair. Michael Kless, who had a scratch on his face, told them to reschedule. Shortly after, the murder occurred.
