Suspect arrested in 'horrific' homicide reported as possible bear attack
Law enforcement announced they have now identified a suspect in connection to the "vicious" killing of a Montana father whose death was initially reported as a possible bear attack.
The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office reported a friend dialed 911 Oct. 12 after he said he found Dustin Mitchell Kjersem, 35, dead in a tent at a makeshift campsite off Moose Creek Road north of Big Sky, about 35 miles southwest of Bozeman.
The friend told dispatchers Kjersem's death appeared to have been caused by a bear, officials previously reported.
In the agency's latest update Wednesday, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer called the homicide "horrific" and said detectives "worked day and night" to develop and track down leads in the investigation.
A suspect is now in custody on unrelated charges in the case, Springer said.
The agency did not release the suspect's identity or charges, but said the person was cooperating with detectives and led investigators to the evidence previously reported in the case.
"It is believed the suspect acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community," Springer said. "Further details and charges are forthcoming, but it is important for this community to know they are safe to resume their outdoor activities."
Autopsy, other evidence found Kjersem died as a result of homicide
An autopsy, coupled with additional evidence found Kjersem died as a result of homicide, Springer said, and showed the victim suffered "multiple chop wounds" to his face and body.
Officials previously said they were investigating the murder weapon, but the sheriff said it was blunt enough to cause significant damage to the victim's skull and flesh.
Officials previously also asked the public to be on the lookout for evidence believed to have been removed from crime scene including:
- A blue and silver Estwing camp axe potentially with a 26” handle
- A wood stock Remington 11-87 12-gauge shotgun
- A Ruger Blackhawk .44 magazine revolver (blued 4 5/8” barrel with wood grips)
- An orange YETI brand cooler (Tundra 45)
Who was Dustin Kjersem?
At the time of his death, Kjersem lived in Belgrade, Montana.
The city, part of the Bozeman metropolitan area, is about 45 miles directly north from where he was found slain.
Born in Bozeman, Kjersem worked all over the Gallatin Valley in South West Montana, was a skilled tradesman and a loving father, his sister Jillian Price told reporters at a press conference earlier this month. Price previously pleaded with the public for help finding her brother's killer.
"Please find out who did this," Price said. "There is someone in our valley who is capable of truly heinous things."
What happened to Dustin Kjersem?
Kjersem's friend told authorities he went searching for him when he didn't show up as per their plan on Oct. 11, one day before he was found dead, Springer previously reported. Kjersem was last seen the afternoon of Oct. 10, authorities said, driving a black 2013 Ford F-150 with a black topper and a silver aluminum ladder rack.
Detective Nate Kamerman said Kjersem was in contact with people as he drove up to the campsite, where service is limited.
Police believe he disappeared sometime between the afternoon of Oct. 10 and the morning hours of Oct. 12 and said Kjersem's tent was well-kept and had "lots of equipment" in it, indicating he likely planned to spend the weekend there with his friend.
'The need to locate Dustin Kjersem's killer'
On Wednesday, in the agencies latest case update, the sheriff thanked local agencies for assistance in the case, as well as his agency's detectives for their "unrelenting pursuit of justice" in the case.
"They have worked day and night for nearly three weeks with limited sleep, limited time with their families and limited time to themselves," Springer posted. "They have prioritized the safety of this community and the need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer above all else. Our thoughts and prayers continue for the family of Dustin Kjersem. We hope, by some small measure, our efforts can bring them a bit of peace during this horrific time. Our entire community mourns with you."
Officials said the case remained under investigation Thursday, but said they would not release additional information about it until charges were formally filed by prosecutors in the case.
Contributing: Saman Shafiq
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.