Suspect identified in murder of camper brutally murdered near Big Sky

BOZEMAN – The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office says a suspect has been identified the murder of Dustin Kjersemthe Belgrade man found brutally murdered in the Moose Creek area near Big Sky on October 12, 2024.

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 is ongoing, but the sheriff emphasized that it is safe for the community to resume outdoor activities.

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

“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 almost 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.

Kjersem was found dead in his tent on Moose Creek Road, north of Big Sky, on Saturday, October 12. An autopsy reportedly revealed he suffered “multiple lacerations” that caused his death.

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