A suspect has been identified in connection with the grisly killing of a camper in Montana who was initially believed to have been mauled by a bear.
The bloodied body of Dustin Kjersem was found on October 12 inside a tent about two-and-a-half miles up Moose Creek Road, east of Big Sky, police said.
A friend made the grisly discovery and immediately called 911, telling dispatchers it looked like he’d been attacked by a wild animal. It prompted an investigation that included a bear expert from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, who did not find any sign of bear activity at the site.
According to an autopsy previously provided by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, 35-year-old Kjersem suffered “multiple chop wounds.” And while investigators struggled to identify the weapon, they noted that “it was something hard enough to cause significant damage to the skull as well as some flesh areas of the body.”
Authorities previously noted they were on the look-out for several things missing from the crime scene, including a camp axe, a shotgun, a revolver, and a cooler.
“He was brutally killed at his campsite,” Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said, though no motive has yet been provided.
After nearly three weeks, authorities on Wednesday announced they have identified a suspect, who is in custody “on unrelated charges.” The identity of that person has not been released, but “the suspect is cooperating with our detectives and has led us to the evidence” previously identified.
“The investigation into this homicide continues,” the sheriff’s office said. “It is believed the suspect acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community.”
No charges have been filed in the case, but the sheriff’s office said they are “forthcoming.”
“It is important for this community to know they are safe to resume their outdoor activities,” the sheriff’s office wrote.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue for the family of Dustin Kjersem. We hope, by some small measure, our efforts can bring them a bit of peace during this horrific time. Our entire community mourns with you,.”
