Cold Case Tuesday: State Police, Ulster Police continue to investigate 2008 murder of an Ulster County man

The New York State Police Troop F Major Crimes Unit continues to assist the Ulster Police Department with the investigation into the murder of Michael Kleiman, and are seeking the public’s assistance helping to identify the suspect(s) who committed this horrific crime.

Michael Kleiman was last seen the afternoon of Thursday, July 24^th 2008 in Kerhonkson, Ulster County, NY.

On Friday, July 25, 2008, at 2:45 p.m. the Ulster Police Department responded to a vehicle fire in a wooded area just off of NY State Route 32 in East Kingston. Kleiman’s vehicle, a 2004 Nissan Frontier Pick Up Truck, color grey, bearing NY registration CGE5199, was found burned with his remains within the cab. The property where the vehicle and his remains were discovered was the former Hudson Cement Plant.

Michael J. Kleiman was 59 years old at the time of his death. He was 6 feet 2 inches and weighed 230 lbs. He lived alone and led a quiet lifestyle. He worked as a nurse’s aide at a children’s hospital in Westchester County. His interests included attending antique auctions and antique stores in Ulster, Orange, & Sullivan County. He also frequented area swimming holes throughout Ulster County.

Ulster police and state police are interested in information from anyone who may have made observations of someone displaying any of the following behaviors immediately after July 25, 2008;

Unscheduled absence from work
Missing scheduled appointments
Abrupt departure from the area; either temporarily or permanently
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Abnormal interest in media coverage of this murder and the corresponding investigation

The Ulster Police Department and New York State Police would like to hear from anyone who may have unknowingly provided the offender(s) with transportation away from the East Kingston area or from the town’s business district area on July 25, 2008 between 1 p.m. and  4 p.m.

The Ulster Police Department in conjunction with the New York State Police and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office are actively investigating this crime and believe during the past ten years the offender has spoken to someone about this incident and we are requesting the public’s help with any information they might have.

If you have any information please contact the Detective Division of the Ulster Police Department at (845) 382-1111 or Tip line (845) 336-3784 or the New York State Police Major Crimes at 845-344-5300.

 
Michael Kleinman                Kleinman’s truck