Domestic Murder Charge
New Jersey Man Accused of Murdering Wife with Barbell, Claims Self-Defense Email
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A 67-year-old New Jersey man is accused of beating his wife to death with a barbell inside their home on May 27, then fleeing before being found unconscious in his car. Michael A. Kless faces first-degree murder charges in the death of his wife, Stacy E. Kless, 66, at their Ocean Township residence on Seward Drive, according to Fox San Antonio.
Police forced entry into the home after two 911 calls — one from a person who said Michael had confessed by phone, and one from the couple's son who reported receiving an email from his father admitting to the killing. Stacy was found in the basement with a barbell resting across her neck and throat, KOMO News reported.
Two 911 Calls Break a Quiet Tuesday Morning
Ocean Township Police received the first 911 call at 9:32 AM. A caller said Michael Kless had admitted over the phone to killing his wife and was threatening to end his own life, according to Turnto10. Fourteen minutes later, at 9:46 AM, the couple's son called police after receiving an email from his father confessing to the murder.
Officers forced their way inside and found Stacy dead in the basement gym. That afternoon, police tracked Michael to a rest stop along the Garden State Parkway. He was found unconscious in his vehicle after an apparent suicide attempt involving Ambien and alcohol, WGME reported. He was taken to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution after receiving medical treatment.
Defense Claims Abuse; Prosecution Calls It Murder
Michael Kless pleaded not guilty on June 3. His public defender, Joshua Hood, argues that Stacy struck Michael in the face with the barbell twice that morning, and that he acted in self-defense. Hood described years of alleged emotional abuse by Stacy, claiming she had a "long-simmering hatred" toward her husband, according to KMPH.
Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago rejected that framing. Prosecutors say Michael had recently begun a romantic relationship with a woman he met on a fishing trip to Costa Rica and had told Stacy about the affair. They describe the killing as brutal and deliberate. Under New Jersey law, deadly force is only justified if a person "reasonably believes" it is immediately necessary to prevent death or serious bodily harm, ABC St. Louis reported.
Stacy Kless Was a Familiar Face in the Community
Stacy Kless had been a substitute teacher in Ocean Township and Asbury Park schools since 2000. She also ran a local dog-walking business called "Pooch Patrol." Ocean Township Mayor John P. Napolitani Sr., who knew the couple personally, said the community was "blindsided" and described Stacy as "kind-hearted" and "loving," according to News Channel 9.
On the surface, the Klesses appeared to be a stable couple of 39 years. They attended concerts — they were fans of U2 — and babysat their grandchildren every Friday. Michael told investigators that Stacy had said 18 years ago she was no longer in love with him, a rejection he reportedly "never got over," WLOS reported.
A Conviction Could Mean 30 Years to Life
If convicted of first-degree murder in New Jersey, Michael Kless faces a minimum of 30 years to life in prison. Under the state's "No Early Release Act," he would have to serve at least 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole, Local 12 reported. He could also face a fine of up to $200,000.
Advocates say the case highlights "invisible" domestic violence among older, long-married couples. Domestic homicides account for roughly 15% of all murders in the United States. Groups like 180 Turning Lives Around note that these cases often lack the traditional warning signs seen by law enforcement, My News 4 reported.
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