A can of beer was used to find a suspect in the murder of a dad on a hike: the police

A can of beer left at the scene of a murder helped officials track down the man accused of beating to death a Montana father and avid outdoorsman, police said.

Gallatin County detectives were able to identify Darren Christopher Abbey based on a DNA sample collected from a beer can in the tent where Dustin Kjersem was found dead. The bank was sent to the Montana State Crime Lab.

Abby, 41, allegedly killed Kjersem, 35, after a “chance encounter” while camping near Big Sky, Montana, in October.

Abby is in custody in Butte, Montana, where he was arrested on an unrelated probation violation. He is expected to be transferred to Gallatin County, where he will be charged with first degree murder and two counts of tampering with evidence.

SUSPECT IN CAMPER MURDER Identified After Dad Found Cut Up In Tent

Daren Christopher Abbey was charged with murdering Montana’s father, Dustin Kiersem (Montana Department of Corrections)

“This appears to be a horrific crime committed by an individual who had no respect for the life of Dustin Kiersem,” Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said. press conference Thursday.

Abby confessed to the killing Tuesday after being questioned by detectives, Springer added.

The suspect has tattoos all over his body, including an “iron cross with a swastika” and another “swastika, SS lightning bolts” — symbols used by Germany’s Nazi party, according to his profile on the Montana Department of Corrections website.

“This individual removed items from the campsite that he believed contained evidence that could tie him to the crime. He removed items he had touched, including a cooler, a firearm and an ax, and returned to the crime the next night and removed other items,” Springer added. “This is the behavior of a guilty party who thought he could get away with murder “.

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Springer said Kjersem arrived in the Moose Creek area on Thursday, Oct. 10, and set up camp, including “a wall tent with a wood stove, beds, lamps and many other items.” During Abby’s confession, police learned that the suspect had been looking for a place to camp that Thursday night and was planning on that particular spot.

“When he got to the spot he realized someone had stopped there, (Abby) stated that Dustin welcomed him to the campsite and offered him a beer,” Springer added. “At some point, this individual hit Dustin Kiersem with a piece of hardwood, hit him in the neck with a screwdriver, and ultimately hit him with an ax.”

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

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)

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Kjersem had planned to leave the campsite and pick up his girlfriend on Friday night, October 11, so they could spend the weekend together, but when he didn’t show up as planned, his girlfriend became concerned.

On Saturday morning, October 12, she and a friend went camping, where they found Kjersem dead in a tent.

Kjersem was initially believed to have suffered a bear attack, until authorities determined that was the case murder.

“By all indications, this homicide appears to be a random encounter,” Springer said. “It seems that there is no connection between our victim and the suspect.”

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

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

The suspect lived in Pool, Montana, and worked in the Big Sky area, Springer noted, adding that he was in the construction business. “He lived sort of, I won’t say temporarily, but he was sort of in different places.”

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“To the family and friends of Dustin Kiersem, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. No one deserves to have this happen to them,” Springer said. “I hope this can bring some peace to all of you and I’m sorry you have to go through this.”

Kjersem’s sister, Jillian Price, previously told Fox News Digital that Kjersem 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.”

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

Dustin Kiersem was found dead in his tent while camping in Montana. Police described it as a “brutal attack”. (Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office)

“As for other criminals, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and its partners will not tolerate this type of behavior. You can’t get away with that in our community,” Springer said. “If you feel the need to commit such crimes, let us know and we will track you down and make sure you never see the light of day again.”

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“Although the suspect has been arrested and charged, there are still months of work ahead,” he added. “The motive for this attack is still unknown and investigators will continue to piece together everything they can to build a better picture of the events of that evening.”