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    • Suspect arrested in Moose Creek killing reported as bear attack
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    Suspect arrested in Moose Creek killing reported as bear attack

    Online Niel Posted on

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    Law enforcement officials have announced they have now identified a suspect in connection with the “vicious” slaying of a mountain father whose death was originally reported as a possible bear attack.

    The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office reported that a friend called 911 on Oct. 12 after saying he found Dustin Mitchell Kjersem, 35, dead in a tent at a makeshift campsite off Moose Creek Road , north of Big Sky, about 35 miles southwest of Bozeman.

    The friend told dispatchers that Kjersem’s death appeared to have been caused by a bear, officials previously reported.

    In the agency’s latest update on Wednesday, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer called the homicide “horrific” and said detectives “worked day and night” to develop and find leads in the investigation.

    A suspect is now in custody on charges unrelated to the case, Springer said.

    The agency did not release the suspect’s identity or charges, but said the person was cooperating with detectives and led investigators to previously reported evidence in the case.

    “The suspect is believed to have acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community,” Springer said. “More details and fees will be forthcoming, but it’s important for this community to know they are safe to resume their outdoor activities.”

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    Autopsy, other evidence found that Kjersem died as a result of homicide

    An autopsy, along with additional evidence, found that Kjersem died as a result of homicide, Springer said and showed the victim suffered “multiple injuries” to her face and body.

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

    Officials also previously asked the public to look for evidence believed to have been removed from the crime scene, including:

    • A blue and silver Estwing camp ax possibly with a 26 inch handle
    • A Remington 11-87 12 gauge wooden shotgun
    • A Ruger Blackhawk .44 magazine revolver (4 5/8 inch blue barrel with wood grips)
    • An orange YETI cooler (Tundra 45)

    Who was Dustin Kjersem?

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

    The city, part of the Bozeman metropolitan area, is about 45 miles due north where he was found murdered.

    Born in Bozeman, Kjersem has worked all over the place Gallatin Valley in southwestern Montana, he was a savvy businessman and a loving father, his sister Jillian Price told reporters at a news conference earlier this month. Price previously asked the public for help in finding her brother’s killer.

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

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    What happened to Dustin Kjersem?

    Kjersem’s friend told authorities she 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. Kjersem was last seen on the afternoon of Oct. 10, authorities said, driving a black 2013 Ford F-150 with a black hood and silver aluminum ladder port.

    Detective Nate Kamerman said Kjersem was in contact with people while driving to the campground, where service is limited.

    Police believe he went missing sometime between the afternoon of October 10 and the morning of October 12 and said Kjersem’s tent was well-maintained and had “a lot of gear” in it, indicating he may have planned to spend the weekend there with his friend. .

    “Need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer”

    In the agency’s latest update on the case Wednesday, the sheriff thanked local agencies for their assistance in the case, as well as 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 posted. “They prioritized the safety of this community and the need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer above all else. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Dustin Kjersem’s family. We hope, in some small way, our efforts bring them some peace. In this terrible time, our whole community mourns with you.”

    Officials said the case remained under investigation Thursday, but said they would not release additional information about it until charges are formally filed by prosecutors in the case.

    Contributed by: Saman Shafiq

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

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