Suspect arrested in Moose Creek murder reported as bear attack

Law enforcement authorities have announced that they have now identified a suspect in connection with the “vicious” murder of a Montana father whose death was initially reported as a possible bear attack.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office reported that a friend called 911 on Oct. 12 after saying he found 35-year-old Dustin Mitchell Kjersem dead in a tent at a makeshift campsite on Moose Creek Road north of Big Sky, about 35 miles southwest of Bozeman.

The friend told dispatchers that Kjersem’s death appeared to have been caused by a bear, officials previously said.

In the latest update from the agency on Wednesday: Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer called the killing “horrific” and said detectives were “working 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 cooperated with detectives and led investigators to evidence previously reported in the case.

“It is believed that the suspect acted alone and that 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 can safely resume their outdoor activities.”

An autopsy and other evidence showed that Kjersem died as a result of homicide

An autopsy, combined with additional evidence, revealed that Kjersem died as a result of homicide. Springer said, showing the victim had “multiple lacerations” to his face and body.

Officials previously said they were examining the murder weapon, but the sheriff said it was blunt enough to cause significant damage to the victim’s skull and flesh.

Officials also previously asked the public to be on the lookout for evidence believed to have been removed from the crime scene, including:

A blue and silver Estwing camp axe, possibly with a 26 inch handle
A wooden butt Remington 11-87 12-gauge shotgun
A Ruger Blackhawk .44 magazine revolver (4 5/8 inch blued barrel with wooden grips)
An orange cooler from the YETI brand (Tundra 45)

Who was Dustin Kjersem?

At the time of his death, Kjersem was living in Belgrade, Montana.

The city, part of the Bozeman metropolitan area, is about 45 miles directly north from where he was found murdered.

Kjersem was born in Bozeman and worked everywhere the Gallatin Valley in southwest Montana, was a skilled trader and a loving father, his sister Jillian Price told reporters at a news 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 started looking for him when he didn’t show up as per their plan on Oct. 11, a day before he was found dead, Springer previously reported. Kjersem was last seen on 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 had contact with people as he drove to the campground, where service is limited.

Police believe he disappeared sometime between the afternoon of October 10 and the morning hours of October 12 and said Kjersem’s tent was well-maintained and contained “a lot of equipment,” indicating he likely planned to spend the weekend there with his friend to spend. .

‘The need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer’

On Wednesday, in the office’s latest case update, the sheriff thanked local agencies for assistance in the case, as well as his office’s detectives for their “unwavering pursuit of justice” in the case.

“They have been working day and night for almost three weeks with limited sleep, limited time with their families and limited time for themselves,” he said. 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 Dustin Kjersem’s family. We hope that in some small way our efforts can bring them some peace. during this horrible time. Our entire community mourns with you.”

Officials said the case was still under investigation Thursday but said they would not release any additional information about it until prosecutors formally filed charges in the case.

Contributions: Saman Shafiq

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her at X @nataliealund.