Suspect ‘led us to evidence’ in brutal murder of Montana camper initially believed to be a bear attack

A suspect was arrested nearly three weeks after the RV was impounded in Montana found brutally killed in an attack that was initially reported as a bear attack, authorities late Wednesday.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office he said has identified a suspect in the murder of Dustin Kjersem, whose body was found earlier this month in his tent. Authorities said the suspect, who has not been identified, is in custody on unrelated charges.

“The suspect is cooperating with our detectives and led us to evidence we identified in prior press releases,” the sheriff’s office said.

Kjersem, 35, was found dead earlier this month by a friend who reported that Kjersem had likely been killed by a bear, but authorities soon discovered that the camper was actually the victim of a brutal murder.

The sheriff’s office said Wednesday that the investigation is ongoing but “the suspect is believed to have acted alone and no longer poses a threat to the community.”

Last week, authorities said yes I’m looking for a large axe and other items that were probably taken from the crime scene. Authorities said they were looking for a blue and silver Estwing camp ax, possibly with a 26-inch handle, as well as a Remington shotgun and a Ruger Blackhawk revolver. The sheriff’s office said it is also looking for an orange Tundra 45 refrigerator manufactured by YETI.

Earlier this month, a friend found Kjersem’s body in a tent at a makeshift campsite on Moose Creek Road and called 911, telling authorities that the death was likely the result of a bear attack. the sheriff’s office previously said.

But a state wildlife official found no signs of bear activity, and investigators said they soon found evidence of a “brutal attack.” A later autopsy found that Kjersem had suffered “multiple incision wounds”, including to the skull.

Kjersem’s sister, Jillian Price, stated that her brother was a skilled craftsman and a loving father.

A GoFundMe set up for Kjersem’s children has raised more than $27,000.