What to Know
On the morning of May 27, 2026, there were two calls that came in to 911 about a murder at a New Jersey home. When police arrived at the residence on Seward Drive in Ocean Township, they found Stacy Kless dead in her basement. Her husband of nearly 40 years was the prime suspect.
To the people who knew them, none of this made sense. Michael and Stacy Kless had built what looked like a full life together which included their two adult children, grandchildren, and decades of marriage. Ocean Township Mayor John P. Napolitani Sr. said the crime “blindsided” the entire community.
But investigators allege Michael Kless had been planning it.
Police arrived at the couple’s home in the 100 block of Seward Drive in Ocean Township just after 9:30 a.m., according to a news release. Once inside, they found Stacy Kless “obviously deceased.”
An investigation quickly determined her husband was the prime suspect in the case, and police immediately began searching for Michael Kless. They reportedly found him unconscious inside his car at a rest stop off the Garden State Parkway. EMS transported him to an area hospital in critical condition.
Michael Kless allegedly killed his wife in a brutal manner.
According to court documents obtained by the Asbury Park Press, police found Stacy Kless in the basement with a barbell across her throat. Michael Kless allegedly contacted his two adult children via text message and told them he intended to kill their mother and then himself. He also reportedly sent an email to another associate detailing the end of his wife’s life.
Per court documents, Michael Kless “indicated a long simmering ‘hatred’ of Victim Kless, his involvement in a new intimate relationship with a woman from Central America, and a description of the murder itself.”
Stacy Kless’ death shocked her friends and family.
Ocean Township Mayor John P. Napolitani Sr. told the Asbury Park Press the crime “blindsided” the community. “Nobody saw this coming,” Napolitani said. “There was not a clue this was going to happen.”
“Our community and ALL who loved Stacy are beyond devastated. She was loving, kind beyond words, and always made sure that anyone in her presence felt welcomed. A bright light has been tragically dimmed,” a loved one shared on social media.
“I didn’t personally know her, but it is so evident in all the posts I have seen about her that she was truly the kind of person this world needs so many more of,” another person shared. “I’m so sorry to her family and to all that knew and loved her.”
Michael Kless faces a first-degree murder charge, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose charges. He’s currently in a hospital in critical condition. Michael Kless remains hospitalized in critical condition. The charges against him are allegations, and he has not entered a plea at the time of publication.
