Suspect in Montana camping slaying identified after father found slain in tent

Almost three weeks later Father Montana and avid outdoorsman Dustin Kjersem was found dead on a hike, police have identified a suspect in his “heinous” murder.

The 35-year-old man was found dead in his tent about two and a half miles away on 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 the authorities quickly determined that this was the case murder.

Although 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. press release.

“The suspect is believed to have acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the public,” Springer added. “Further details and charges will be forthcoming, but it is important for this community to know that they are safe to resume their outdoor activities.”

CRIME SCENE PROCESS MAY HELP SOLVE MURDER OF YOUNG DAD AS KILLER REMAINS AT FREE

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

The suspect is cooperating with detectives and has provided authorities with evidence they previously discovered, Springer said in the release.

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Some of the evidence listed in a previous news release that police say may have been recovered from the crime scene includes an Estwing camp ax, blue and silver, possibly with a 26-inch handle; Remington Model 11-87 12-gauge shotgun, wooden stock; Ruger Blackhawk .44 Magnum revolver, 4 5/8″ blued barrel, wood grip; and an orange YETI Tundra 45 cooler.

An autopsy revealed that Kjersem suffered “multiple stab wounds that led to his death,” police said.

FAMILY OF CONFORMITY-LOVING MAN KILLED IN TENT AFRAID TO CAMP WITH KILLER ON THE RELEASE

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

“I want to thank the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office detectives 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.

“They prioritize the safety of this community and the need to find Dustin Kiersem’s killer above all else. It is this dedication that makes the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement agencies special. This community should be proud of the men and women who have chosen to serve to protect you, your families and friends.”

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

POLICE SAY MONTANA MAN CAMPING IN WHITE BIG SKY FOUND DEAD IN TENT AFTER VIOLENT ATTACK

Lone Peak and Moonlight Basin Ski Resorts near Big Sky, Montana. (TMI / Alamy Stock Photo)

Kjersam’s sister, Gillian Price, has previously pleaded with the public to help find the person responsible for her brother’s murder. emotional interview from Fox News Digital.

“Stop, look, and help find who did this,” Price pleaded. “I am asking anyone for help. Anyone.”

Price shared that Kiersem has a daughter and a stepson. When asked what she thought others would remember about her brother, she said, “I wish they could hear his laugh, but I just hope they know how caring he was.”

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Dustin Kiersem 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, when he was going on a hike in his Ford F-150. He had planned to meet a friend the next day, but he never showed up. A friend went looking for Kjersem and eventually found his body, authorities said.

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“Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family of Dustin Kiersem,” Springer said. “We hope that our efforts, at least to some extent, can bring them some peace during this terrible time. Our whole community mourns with you.”

Authorities say the investigation into Kjersem’s killing is ongoing, and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office will not comment until charges are filed.