Michael A. Kless, 67, is charged with first-degree murder for killing his wife Stacy Epstein Kless, 66, in their Ocean Township home on May 27, 2026. He strangled her with a barbell in their basement. Michael had a long-simmering hatred for Stacy and was involved in a romantic affair with a woman in Central America. After the murder, Michael attempted suicide by overdose and was taken into custody. The couple had been married for nearly 40 years and had two adult children. The case remains pending.
Country: United States
State/Province: New Jersey, United States
City/Region: Ocean Township
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Married
Relationship Duration: Approximately 40 years (marriage)
Incident Date: May 27, 2026
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
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Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
Approximately 40 years (marriage)
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2026-05-27
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Original language: English
Ocean Township Man Accused Of Killing Wife With Barbell Was Having An Affair
Infidelity
The case involves a long-term married couple where the husband developed a long-simmering hatred and engaged in an extramarital affair. The conflict culminated in the husband allegedly murdering his wife by strangulation with a barbell. The affair and emotional estrangement appear central to the motive and escalation.
Michael Kless was charged with first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a weapon (barbell), and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Police recovered the victim's body in the basement with a barbell on her neck. The suspect admitted to the killing via email and phone calls. He was taken into custody after a suicide attempt. Investigators reviewed text messages and emails indicating motive and confession. The case remains pending.
No significant confusion reported. The suspect self-reported the murder and attempted suicide, and evidence at the scene aligns with his admissions.
On May 27, 2026, Michael Kless killed his wife Stacy Epstein Kless by strangulation with a barbell in their basement. Earlier that morning, he met a work crew with visible injuries and refused entry. He contacted a third party and his son, admitting to the murder. Police found the victim deceased and arrested Michael after a suicide attempt at a rest stop. Evidence includes emails, text messages, and physical evidence at the scene.
High risk due to prolonged domestic conflict, infidelity, and escalation to lethal violence. The suspect's attempted suicide indicates severe emotional distress and potential for further harm.
Long-term marriages can harbor hidden resentments and infidelity that escalate to lethal violence. Early detection of domestic conflict and infidelity-related distress is critical. Self-reporting by suspects can aid investigations. Community perceptions may not reflect underlying relationship issues.
The suspect's 'long-simmering hatred' and extramarital affair were key early signals. Visible injuries and refusal to allow work crew entry also indicated distress.
Emails and text messages admitting the murder, the barbell used as a weapon, and the suspect's self-reporting were crucial clues.
Physical evidence at the scene, electronic communications (emails, texts), and suspect's statements were strongest.
Work crew reported seeing the suspect with a scratch and blood on his face. The couple's son reported receiving an email confession. Local community members expressed shock but no prior indicators of trouble.
No follow-up reports available beyond initial charges and suspect's hospitalization.
The exact trigger for the murder beyond the affair and hatred remains unclear. The suspect's mental state and detailed timeline of the affair are not fully disclosed.