Montana campground murder suspect identified after dad found dead in tent

Almost three weeks later Montana’s father and avid outdoorsman Dustin Kjersem was found dead during a camping trip, police have identified a suspect in his “heinous” murder.

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

While authorities have not yet released the name of the person identified, the suspect is currently in custody on unrelated charges, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said in a statement. media publication.

“The suspect is believed to have acted alone and is no longer a threat to the community,” Springer added. “Further details and allegations will be released soon, but it is important that this community knows they can safely resume outdoor activities.”

TIPS FROM THE CRIME SCENE MAY HELP SOLVES YOUNG DAD’S CAMPING MURDER AS THE KILLER REMAINS at large

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

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

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Some of the evidence listed in the earlier press release that police believe may have been taken from the crime scene includes an Estwing camp ax, blue and silver in color, possibly with a 26-inch handle; 12-gauge Remington Model 11-87 shotgun, wooden stock; Ruger Blackhawk .44 Magnum revolver, blued 4 5/8 inch barrel, wooden grips; and an orange YETI Tundra 45 radiator.

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

The outdoors-loving family of a man killed in a tent, fearing a camp with a killer on the loose

In an earlier press release, authorities asked for the public’s help in locating a blue and silver Estwing camp ax that they believe was taken from the crime scene. (Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office)

“I want to thank the detectives of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case. They worked day and night for almost three weeks, with limited sleep, limited time with family and limited time for themselves,” Springer said in the release.

“First and foremost, they prioritized the safety of this community and the need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer. It is this type of dedication that makes the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement officers unique. This community should be proud of the men and women who have chosen lives of service to keep you, your families and friends safe.”

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Springer also thanked other agencies for their assistance in the case, including the Montana Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI); Montana State Crime Laboratory; Montana Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole; medical examiner’s office; Montana Highway Patrol; Missouri River Drug Task Force; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; U.S. Forest Service and Gallatin County Search and Rescue Service.

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

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

Kjersem’s sister, Jillian Price, has previously appealed to the public for help in finding the person responsible for her brother’s murder in the investigation emotional interview from Fox News Digital.

“Everyone stop, look around and help find who did this,” Price pleaded. “I’m asking anyone for help. Anyone.”

Price shared that Kjersem has a daughter and a stepson. When asked what she hopes others will remember about her brother, she replied, “I wish they could hear him 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 “brutal attack.” (Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office)

Kjersem was last seen on the afternoon of October 10, leaving his Ford F-150 for a camping trip. He intended to meet his friend the next day, but he never got around to it. Authorities said a friend began looking for Kjersem and eventually found his body.

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“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Dustin Kjersem’s family,” Springer said. “We hope that, in some small way, our efforts will bring them some peace at this terrible time. Our entire community mourns with you.”

Authorities say the investigation into Kjersem’s murder continues, and a Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office will not comment on the case until charges are filed.