Suspect arrested in Moose Creek slaying called bear attack

Law enforcement agencies reported that a suspect has been identified as being involved in the murder of A Montana father whose death was first a possible bear attack is reported.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said a friend called 911 on Oct. 12 after he said he found 35-year-old Dustin Mitchell Kiersem dead in a tent at a temporary campsite off Moose Creek Road north of Big Sky. about 35 miles southwest of Bozeman.

A friend told dispatchers that Kjersem appeared to have caused the bear, officials previously reported.

In the agency’s latest update on Wednesday, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer called the killing a “brutal attack” and said detectives were “working day and night” to develop and follow up on the investigation.

The suspect is currently in custody on unrelated charges in the case, Springer said.

The agency has not released the identity of the suspect or the charges, but said the person cooperated with detectives and led investigators to evidence previously presented in the case.

“The suspect is believed to have acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the public,” Springer said. “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.”

An autopsy and other evidence showed that Kjersem died as a result of murder

An autopsy, combined with additional evidence, showed that Kjersem died as a result of homicide, Springer said and testified that the victim suffered “multiple slash wounds” to his face and body.

Officials previously said they were investigating the murder weapon, but the sheriff said it was blunt enough to cause significant damage to the victim’s skull and body.

Earlier, officials also asked the public to be on the lookout for evidence believed to have been recovered from the crime scene, including:

Blue and silver Estwing camp ax potentially with 26 inch handle
Remington 11-87 12 gauge shotgun with wooden stock
Ruger Blackhawk .44 shop revolver (blued barrel 4 5/8” with wooden grips)
Orange YETI brand cooler (Tundra 45)

Who was Dustin Kiersem?

Kjersem was living in Belgrade, Montana at the time of his death.

The city is part of the Bozeman Metropolitan Area about 45 miles north from where he was found murdered.

Born in Bozeman, Kjersam worked all over the place Gallatin Valley in Southwest Montana, was a skilled businessman and a loving father, his sister Jillian Price told reporters at a press conference earlier this month. Price previously pleaded with the public to help find her brother’s killer.

“Please find out who did this,” Price said. “There is someone in our valley who is capable of truly terrible things.”

What happened to Dustin Kiersem?

A friend of Kjersem told authorities he went looking for him when he didn’t show up as planned on Oct. 11, the day before he was found dead, Springer previously reported. Kiersem was last seen the afternoon of Oct. 10 driving a black 2013 Ford F-150 with a black top and a silver aluminum ladder rack, authorities said.

Detective Nate Kamerman said Kjersem was talking to people as he pulled up to the limited-service campground.

Police believe he disappeared sometime between the afternoon of October 10 and the morning of October 12, and said Kjersem’s tent was well-kept and had “a lot of equipment” in it, indicating he likely planned to spend time there weekend with your friend. .

“Must find the killer of Dustin Kiersem”

In the agency’s latest update Wednesday, the sheriff thanked local agencies for their assistance in the case and his agency’s detectives for their “relentless pursuit of justice” in the case.

“They worked day and night for almost three weeks with limited sleep, limited time with their families and limited time for themselves.” Springer placed “They prioritize the safety of this community and the need to find Dustin Kiersem’s killer above all else. Our thoughts and prayers continue for the family of Dustin Kiersem. We hope, if only a little, our efforts can bring them some peace. Our entire community mourns with you at this terrible time.”

Officials said Thursday that the investigation into the case was ongoing, but that they would not release additional information until prosecutors formally file charges in the case.

Co-author: Saman Shafiq

Natalie Neisa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.