Suspect identified in the brutal murder of Dustin Kjersem

BOZEMAN – The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office says a suspect has been identified in the murder of Dustin Kjersem, the Belgrade man found brutally murdered in the Moose Creek area near Big Sky.

Kjersem was found dead in his tent on Saturday, October 12. An autopsy revealed that he had suffered “multiple lacerations” that caused his death.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said in a news release that the suspect is in custody on unrelated charges and is cooperating. Springer says the suspect led detectives to it previously identified evidence.

According to Sheriff Springer, the suspect is believed to have acted alone and is no longer a threat to the community. The investigation continues, but the sheriff emphasized that the community is safe to resume outdoor activities.

The suspect’s name has not been released at this time. The news release states that the Sheriff’s Office will have no further comment on the investigation until charges are filed.

Kjersem’s sister Jillian Price said at a news conference after his killing that Dustin was “a hard-working, skilled tradesman” and “a loving, helpful and adoring father who in no way deserved this.”

Sister of man killed near Big Sky asks community for help finding his killer

A fundraiser to support Dustin Kjersem’s children describes him as “a loving, helpful and adoring father, an avid outdoorsman and a skilled tradesman who could have been the one to frame your house, pour your foundation or install your countertops.” ”

Click here if you would like to donate.

“I want to thank the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office detectives for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case. They have worked day and night for nearly three weeks with limited sleep, limited time with their families and limited time for themselves,” said Sheriff Springer. at the time of publication. “They have prioritized the safety of this community and the need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer above all else. It is this type of dedication that makes the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement officers special. This community should be proud of the men and women who have chosen a life of service to keep you, your families and your friends safe.”

Sheriff Springer also thanked the following agencies for their work on the case: Montana Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Montana State Crime lab, Montana Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole, Medical Examiner’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the US Forest Service and Gallatin County Search and Rescue.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue for the family of Dustin Kjersem. We hope that our efforts, on a small scale, can bring them some peace during this horrific time. Our entire community mourns with you,” said Sheriff Springer.