Suspect identified in death of Montana man initially thought killed by Bear

Dustin Kjersem, 35, was found dead in a tent near Big Sky, Montana on Saturday, October 12

A suspect is in custody in what was initially believed to be the death of a Montana man killed in his tent by a bear.

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a statement edition that they had “identified a suspect” after the body of Dustin Kjersem, 35, was found Saturday, Oct. 12, in a tent about 2.5 miles away on Moose Creek Road, north of Big Sky, Mont.

“The suspect is currently in custody on unrelated charges. The suspect is cooperating with our detectives,” Sheriff Dan Springer said in the news release, adding that the suspect led them to “evidence” in the case.

“The investigation into this homicide continues. It is believed the suspect acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community,” Springer said, without releasing the person’s name.

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“Further details and charges will follow, but it is important for this community to know they are safe to resume their outdoor activities. The Sheriff’s Office will have no further comment regarding this investigation until charges are filed,” the release added.

Springer also thanked sheriff’s office detectives “for their continued pursuit of justice in this case.”

“They have worked day and night for almost three weeks with limited sleep, limited time with their families and limited time for themselves. Above all, they have prioritized the safety of this community and the need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer,” the sheriff said. .

“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. Springer insisted, also thanking the many other agencies that had helped on the case.

Kjersem, from Belgrade, Mont., was last seen on Thursday, Oct. 10, before his body was found two days later around 10:07 a.m. local time.

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Springer concluded in the latest release: “Our thoughts and prayers continue for the family of Dustin Kjersem. We hope that our efforts, in a small way, can bring them a little peace during this horrific time. Our entire community mourns with you. “

On Thursday, October 24, the sheriff’s office confirmed they were searching for multiple items “believed to have been removed from the scene” in a editionincluding a camp axe, a shotgun, a revolver and a cooler.

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The person who discovered Kjersem’s body initially thought it was the result of a bear attack. But a state Fish, Wildlife and Parks agent found no evidence of bear activity in the area, the sheriff’s office previously said in an Oct. 15 report. edition.

“This led investigators to treat the case as a homicide. Evidence collected through an autopsy further indicated that this was a homicide,” the sheriff’s office said at the time.

“This incident was a vicious attack and detectives are working hard to develop and pursue leads,” she previously added.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond when PEOPLE contacted them.