Suspect identified in Big Sky homicide

BOZEMAN, Mont. — The suspect in the murder that occurred in the Moose Creek area near Big Sky has been identified as Daren Abbey, according to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Abbey is in custody on unrelated charges and reportedly led detectives to evidence previously identified by the sheriff’s office.

Dustin Kjersem, 35, was found dead in his tent with extensive skull and body injuries in what was initially believed to be a bear attack. The case was later investigated as a homicide.

He was found northeast of Big Sky on October 10, and an autopsy revealed that Kjersem had suffered multiple slash wounds.