Chilling new details about brutal bear attack murder ‘add up to campers’ worst nightmare’ – as suspect is unmasked

DNA from a beer can led Montana authorities to a suspect who confessed to the murder of a man initially thought to have been killed by a bear.

Police arrested a suspect in the brutal murder of Dustin Kjersem, a camper initially believed to have been the victim of an animal attack near Big Sky.

Daren Christopher Abbey, 41, confessed to the killing, which investigators described as a “chance encounter.” There doesn’t seem to be any connection between them.

The discovery of Kjersem’s body in his tent on October 12 shocked the community and led to a three-week manhunt.

Witnesses initially suspected a bear attack due to the severity of Kjersem’s injuries, but an autopsy later revealed multiple “chop wounds,” including to his skull. With no signs of animal involvement, police quickly shifted their attention to a murder investigation.

On Thursday, police announced the arrest of Daren Christopher Abbey of Basin, Montana, in the death of 35-year-old Dustin Mitchell Kjersem (photo) of Belgrade.

Abbey is charged with intentional homicide and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. If convicted of intentional murder, he could face a minimum prison sentence of 10 years or a maximum of life in prison.

Kjersem had arrived in the Moose Creek area on October 10 to set up a campsite, intending to pick up his girlfriend the following evening for a weekend together.

When he didn’t show up, his concerned girlfriend drove to the scene and found Kjersem’s lifeless body in his tent.

Authorities traced Abbey to the crime through DNA evidence found on a beer can Kjersem shared with him the night of the attack.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said Abbey planned to camp in Moose Creek and came across Kjersem, who welcomed him and offered him a beer.

At one point, Abbey allegedly hit Kjersem on the head with a piece of wood, stabbed him in the neck with a screwdriver and dealt him a fatal blow with an axe. Abbey then reportedly removed items from the campsite to conceal his involvement, returning the next day to remove more evidence.

“This appears to be a heinous crime committed by an individual who had no regard for the life of Dustin Kjersem,” Sheriff Springer said, adding that the investigation is ongoing as detectives try to understand the motive.

Abbey, who was already on parole for a previous DUI, was arrested and remains in custody without bail on charges of intentional homicide and tampering with evidence. The murder charge alone carries a possible life sentence.

The violent and unprovoked nature of the crime has raised concerns among campers in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, where Kjersem was killed.

Investigators described the incident as a ‘chance encounter’ and noted that Abbey is said to have returned to the scene the next day to remove evidence (photo: Dustin Kjersem)

Mark Genito, a former backcountry ranger in Yellowstone, noted that despite the common fear of wildlife, the real threat in the wilderness often comes from other people.

“Most things that stand on four legs in the wilderness are more afraid of us than we are of them. And the greatest threat to your safety is always humanity – unfortunately your fellow man,” he said.

Camping experts urge people to be cautious and trust their instincts, especially when encountering strangers.

Security consultant George Babnick advises campers to select campsites carefully, avoid areas with signs of previous disruptive activity and be aware of any disturbing behavior nearby.

Public safety officials are also emphasizing their role in protecting campers. During peak season, rangers and patrols actively monitor campsites and provide assistance, warnings or citations as needed.

“Most things that stand on four legs in the wilderness are more afraid of us than we are of them. And the greatest threat to your safety is always humanity – unfortunately your fellow man.

Abbey is charged with intentional homicide and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. If convicted of intentional murder, he could face a minimum prison sentence of 10 years or a maximum of life in prison.

A passionate outdoorsman and devoted father, Kjersem was remembered in his obituary as someone who cherished his daughter’s artwork and often decorated his home with her creations.

His family took to social media to express their gratitude to law enforcement for arresting Abbey, saying it brought them “some closure,” the family reported Fox 8.