Breakthrough in grisly murder of Montana camper found dead at Big Sky
A suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the suspicious death of a Montana camper initially thought to have been killed by a bear.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that they have “identified a suspect” in connection with the mysterious death of Dustin Kjersem, 35.
The father was discovered on October 12 with lacerations to his body and skull in the Montana wilderness near Big Sky.
Kjersem, from Belgrade, was last seen two days before his body was found by a person who thought he died after being mauled by a bear.
A Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks agent later concluded there was no evidence of the animal in the area, leading the sheriff’s office to open a homicide investigation.
The unidentified suspect, who led police to “evidence” in the case, “is currently in custody on unrelated charges” and is “cooperating with detectives,” Sheriff Dan Springer revealed.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that they have “identified a suspect” in connection with the mysterious death of Dustin Kjersem, 35
Kjersem was found on October 12 with lacerations to his body and skull in the Montana wilderness near Big Sky. (Photo: Kjersem with his young daughter)
“The investigation into this murder continues. It is believed that the suspect acted alone and that there is no longer a threat to the community,” Springer said.
“Further details and charges are forthcoming, but it is important for this community to know they can safely resume their outdoor activities.”
Springer praised detectives “for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case,” adding that they worked tirelessly to track down Kjersem’s killer.
When his body was first found, Springer said he was involved in “a vicious attack” and that someone had murdered him “in a very gruesome manner.”
Before he was found, Kjersem, who worked as a handyman, was driving a black 2013 Ford F-150 with a black topper and a silver aluminum ladder rack.
He was last seen two days before someone found his deceased body. They suspected he had been attacked by a bear, but officials found no evidence of the animal in the area
A friend of his quickly became concerned after Kjersem didn’t show up for a planned camping trip.
A search was then launched for the then missing father, who was found just days later.
His older sister Jillian Price, 35, urged people at a press conference to help find the person who committed the horrific crime.
‘We lost our brother this weekend. Our son. Our uncle. Our best friend. And our father – in the most unimaginable way,” Price said, holding back tears.
‘He was a loving, helpful and gracious father who in no way deserved this.
“I’m asking our community to find out who did this. There is someone in our valley who is capable of truly heinous things.”
The search began after a friend became concerned when Kjersem didn’t show up for a planned camping trip
Before he was found, Kjersem, who worked as a handyman, was driving a black 2013 Ford F-150 with a black topper and a silver aluminum ladder rack.
The heartbroken sister reflected on the kind of person Kjersem was, as she called him “a hardworking trader.”
A GoFundMe page has since been founded to raise money to support Kjersem’s children following his sudden death.
An adorable photo showed him with his young daughter as they posed for the camera wearing paper bunny ears and glasses.
More than $27,000 was raised Thursday morning.
DailyMail.com contacted the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office for comment.