Suspect in Montana camping trip murder suspect identified after father found murdered in tent

Almost three weeks later Montana Dad and avid outdoorsman Dustin Kjersem was found dead during a camping trip, police have identified a suspect in his ‘grisly’ murder.

The 35-year-old was found dead in his tent on Saturday, October 12, about two and a half miles away on Moose Creek Road near Big Sky. His friend who found him and called 911 initially thought he had suffered a bear attack. , but authorities quickly determined that this was the case a murder.

Although authorities have not yet released the name of the identified person, the suspect is currently in custody on unrelated charges, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said in a press release.

“It is believed the suspect acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community,” Springer added. “Further details and charges are forthcoming, but it is important for this community to know they can safely resume their outdoor activities.”

CRIME SCENE CLUE COULD HELP SOLVE YOUNG DAD’S CAMPING MURDER, IF KILLER REMAINS LOOSE

Dustin Kjersem and his daughter. Kjersem was brutally murdered while camping near Big Sky, Montana. (GoFundMe)

The suspect is cooperating with detectives and led authorities to evidence they had previously identified, Springer said in the news release.

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Some of the evidence listed in an earlier news release that police said was recovered from the crime scene includes an Estwing camp axe, blue and silver, likely with a 26-inch handle; a Remington Model 11-87 12-gauge shotgun, woodstock; a Ruger Blackhawk .44 Magnum revolver, blued 4 5/8-inch barrel, wood grips; and an orange YETI Tundra 45 cooler.

An autopsy showed that Kjersem “suffered multiple lacerations, which led to his death,” police said.

OUTDOOR LOVERS FAMILY OF MAN KILLED IN TENT AFRAID TO CAMP WITH LOOSE KILLER

In an earlier news release, authorities asked the public to help locate a blue and silver Estwing camp axe that they believed was taken from the crime scene. (Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office)

“I would like to thank the detectives of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office 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,” Springer said in the release.

“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.”

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Springer also thanked other agencies for their assistance with the case, including the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI); the Montana State Crime Lab; the Montana Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole; the medical examiner’s office; the 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 U.S. Forest Service and Gallatin County Search and Rescue.

MAN IN MONTANA CAMPING NEAR BIG SKY FOUND DEAD IN TENT AFTER ‘VIRUTAL ATTACK’, POLICE SAY

Lone Peak and Moonlight Basin ski areas near Big Sky, Montana. (TMI / Alamy Stock Photo)

Kjersem’s sister, Jillian Price, previously pleaded with the public to help find the person responsible for her brother’s murder. emotional interview with Fox News Digital.

“Everyone, stop and look and help find out who did this,” Price pleaded. ‘I’m asking everyone for help. Everyone.’

Price shared that Kjersem has a daughter and a stepson. When asked what she hopes others will remember about her brother, she said, “I wish they could have heard his laugh, but I just hope they know how caring he was.”

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Dustin Kjersem was found dead in his tent while camping in Montana. Police described it as a ‘vicious attack’. (Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office)

Kjersem was last seen on the afternoon of October 10, when he left in his Ford F-150 to go camping. He had plans to meet a friend the next day, but never showed up. The friend started looking for Kjersem and eventually found his body, authorities said.

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

Authorities say the investigation into Kjersem’s murder continues Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office would not comment further until charges are filed.