Suspect arrested in Moose Creek murder reported bear attack

Law enforcement officials announced they have identified a suspect in connection with the “malicious” murder of a man. Montana father whose death occurred at the beginning reported as possible bear attack.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said a friend called 911 on Oct. 12 and said he found 35-year-old Dustin Mitchell Kjersem dead in a tent at a makeshift campground near Moose Creek Road north of Big Sky, about 35 miles southwest of Bozeman. reported.

The friend told officers that a bear may have caused Kjersem’s death, authorities previously reported.

In the agency’s latest update on Wednesday, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer called the murder “horrific” and said detectives were “working day and night” to track down and find leads in the investigation.

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

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

“The suspect is believed to have acted alone and is no longer a threat to the community,” Springer said. “More details and charges to come, but it is important for this community to know it is safe for them to continue their outdoor activities.”

Autopsy and other evidence revealed Kjersem died as a result of homicide

The autopsy, along with additional evidence, revealed that Kjersem died as a result of homicide. springer he said, showing that the victim had “multiple cut wounds” on his face and body.

Authorities had previously said they were investigating the murder weapon, but the sheriff said the gun was blunt enough to cause serious damage to the victim’s skull and flesh.

Authorities had previously also asked the public to keep track of the following evidence believed to have been removed from the scene:

A blue and silver Estwing camping axe, potentially with a 26-inch handle
A wood butt Remington 11-87 12 gauge shotgun
A Ruger Blackhawk .44 magazine pistol (blued 4 5/8” barrel with wooden grip)
Orange YETI brand cooler (Tundra 45)

Who was Dustin Kjersem?

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

City that is part of the Bozeman metropolitan area approximately 45 miles directly north from where he was found murdered.

Born in Bozeman, Kjersem has worked everywhere Gallatin Valley Bay, who lived in Southwest Montana, was a skilled tradesman and a loving father, his sister, Jillian Price, told reporters at a news conference earlier this month. Price had previously pleaded with the public to help find his brother’s killer.

“Please find out who did this,” Price said. “There’s someone in our valley who can do some truly disgusting things.”

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 wearing a black hat and driving a black 2013 Ford F-150 with a silver aluminum ladder rack on the afternoon of Oct. 10, authorities said.

Detective Nate Kamerman said Kjersem was in contact with people on his way to the campground, where service was limited.

Police believe he disappeared 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 equipment” inside, suggesting he probably planned to spend the weekend there with his friend.

‘Dustin Kjersem’s murderer must be found’

On Wednesday, in the agency’s latest case update, 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 nearly three weeks, with limited sleep, limited time with their families and limited time for themselves.” springer sent. “They prioritized the safety of this community and finding Dustin Kjersem’s killer above all else. Our thoughts and prayers continue for Dustin Kjersem’s family. We hope our efforts bring them some peace. Our entire community mourns with you during this terrible time .”

Authorities said Thursday that the case remains under investigation but will not release additional information until prosecutors formally file charges in the case.

Contributed by: Saman Shafiq

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

Autopsy and other evidence revealed Kjersem died as a result of homicide

Who was Dustin Kjersem?

What happened to Dustin Kjersem?

‘Dustin Kjersem’s murderer must be found’

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