Suspect arrested in Moose Creek homicide reported as bear attack

Law enforcement authorities announced that they have identified a suspect in connection with the “brutal” murder of a Montana father whose death was initially reported as a possible bear attack.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said a friend called 911 on Oct. 12 after saying they found Dustin Mitchell Kjersem, 35, dead in a tent at a makeshift campsite on Moose Creek Road north of Big Sky, about 55 miles S.T. west of Bozeman.

A friend told dispatchers that Kjersem’s death was likely caused by a bear, officials previously said.

In the agency’s latest update from Wednesday, titled: Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer called the killing “horrific” and said detectives “worked day and night” to develop and track leads in the investigation.

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

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

“The suspect is believed to have acted alone and is no longer a threat to the community,” Springer said. “Further details and allegations will be released soon, but it is important that this community knows they can safely resume outdoor activities.”

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

The autopsy, combined with additional evidence, concluded that Kjersem died by homicide. Jumper he said and showed that the victim suffered “multiple cuts” to his face and body.

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

Officers also previously asked the public to be aware of evidence that appears to have been removed from the crime scene, including:

Blue and silver Estwing camp axe, potentially with a 26 inch handle
Remington 11-87 12 gauge wooden stock
Ruger Blackhawk .44 magazine revolver (blue barrel 4 5/8” with wooden handles)
Orange YETI refrigerator (Tundra 45)

Who was Dustin Kjersem?

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

The city is part of the Bozeman metropolitan area approximately 45 miles directly north where he was found dead.

Born in Bozeman, Kjersem has worked everywhere Gallatin Valley in southwestern Montana, he was a skilled craftsman and a loving father, his sister Jillian Price told reporters at a news conference earlier this month. Price has previously pleaded with 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 terrible things.”

What happened to Dustin Kjersem?

A friend of Kjersem’s told authorities he began looking for him when he failed to show up as scheduled on Oct. 11, the day before he was found dead, Springer previously reported. Authorities said Kjersem was last seen on the afternoon of Oct. 10 driving a black 2013 Ford F-150 with a black roof and a silver aluminum ladder rack.

Detective Nate Kamerman said Kjersem came into contact with people when he went to a campground where service is limited.

Police believe he disappeared 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 was probably planning to spend the weekend there with his friend.

“Needing to Locate Dustin Kjersem’s Killer”

In the agency’s latest update 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.” Jumper sent. “First and foremost, they prioritized the safety of this community and the need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer. Our thoughts and prayers continue with Dustin Kjersem’s family. We hope that, in some small way, our efforts will bring them some peace during this terrible time as our entire community mourns you.”

Officials said Thursday the case was ongoing but would not release additional information on the case until prosecutors formally file charges in the case.

Contributor: Saman Shafiq

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