The suspect “led us to the evidence” of the brutal murder of a camper in Montana, which was initially thought to be a bear attack

A suspect has been arrested nearly three weeks after an RV was parked in Montana found brutally murdered in an attack initially reported as a bear attack, authorities said late Wednesday.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said it had identified a suspect in the murder of Dustin Kjersem, who was found dead in his tent earlier this month. The suspect, who has not been identified, was in custody on unrelated charges, authorities said.

“The suspect is cooperating with our detectives and led us to the evidence we identified in previous press releases,” the sheriff’s office said.

Kjersem, 35, was found dead earlier this month by a friend who reported that Kjersem appeared to have been killed by a bear — but officials soon discovered that the camper was actually the victim of a brutal murder.

The sheriff’s office said Wednesday that the investigation is ongoing, but “it is believed the suspect acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community.”

Last week, authorities said yes looking for a big axe and other items likely taken from the crime scene. Authorities said they were looking for a blue and silver Estwing camp axe, likely with a 26-inch handle, as well as a Remington shotgun and a Ruger Blackhawk revolver. The sheriff’s office said it was also looking for an orange Tundra 45 cooler made by YETI.

Earlier this month, a friend discovered Kjersem’s body in a tent at a makeshift campsite along Moose Creek Road and called 911 to tell emergency responders that the death appeared to be caused by a bear attack. the sheriff’s office previously said.

But a state wildlife officer found no signs of bear activity, and researchers said they soon found evidence of a “vicious attack.” An autopsy later revealed that Kjersem suffered “multiple lacerations”, including to his skull.

Kjersem’s sister Jillian Price said her brother was an experienced trader and a loving father.

A GoFundMe campaign for Kjersem’s children has raised more than $27,000.