OCEAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Monmouth County man has been charged with murdering his wife after police responding to 911 calls discovered her dead inside the couple’s Ocean Township home. The charges come after a multi-agency investigation identified the victim’s husband as the suspect in the killing.
Michael A. Kless, 67, has been charged with first-degree murder, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in connection with the death of Stacy E. Kless, 66, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
Victim Found Dead After 911 Calls
The investigation began at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, when officers with the Ocean Township Police Department responded to the 100 block of Seward Drive.
Authorities said police received two separate 911 calls reporting a murder at the residence.
Upon arriving at the home, officers found Stacy Kless deceased.
Officials described the victim as “obviously deceased” when first responders entered the residence.
Investigation Led to Charges
Detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau and the Ocean Township Police Department launched an investigation immediately after the discovery.
According to prosecutors, investigators identified Michael Kless as the person responsible for his wife’s death.
Authorities allege a barbell was used as the weapon in the homicide, resulting in the additional weapons charges filed against Kless.
The prosecutor’s office did not release further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the killing or a possible motive.
Key Points
• A 67-year-old Ocean Township man has been charged with murdering his wife.
• Stacy E. Kless, 66, was found dead inside the couple’s home on Seward Drive.
• Prosecutors charged Michael Kless with first-degree murder and related weapons offenses.
• The suspect was later found unconscious at a Garden State Parkway rest stop.
Suspect Found Unconscious at Parkway Rest Stop
Following the homicide, authorities located Michael Kless unconscious inside a vehicle at a New Jersey rest stop along the Garden State Parkway.
Officials said he was transported for medical treatment and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The prosecutor’s office did not disclose the nature of the medical emergency or whether investigators believe it was connected to the homicide.
Because Kless remains hospitalized, authorities have not announced when he may make an initial court appearance.
Detectives Continue Investigation
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Stephen Cavendish at 732-431-7160 ext. 7051 or Ocean Township Police Department Detective Michael Legg at 732-531-1428.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are accusations. Michael Kless is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
