Authorities in Montana have arrested 41-year-old Daren Christopher Abbey in connection with the brutal killing of camper Dustin Kjersem, whose death was initially believed to be the result of a bear attack. Kjersem, 35, was found dead in his tent on October 12, 2024, at a remote campsite near Big Sky, Montana. His body bore severe injuries that led friends to suspect a wildlife encounter. However, investigators later determined the cause of death to be homicide.
According to Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer, Abbey confessed to the murder during an interview with detectives. Abbey stated that he arrived at Kjersem’s campsite on October 10, intending to stay the night. Kjersem, who did not know Abbey, welcomed him and offered him a beer. Later that evening, Abbey attacked Kjersem, striking him with a piece of wood, stabbing him in the neck with a screwdriver, and ultimately hitting him with an axe. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
The investigation shifted from a suspected bear attack to homicide after a Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks agent found no signs of bear activity at the scene. An autopsy revealed that Kjersem suffered multiple chop wounds, including to his skull. DNA evidence collected from a beer can at the campsite matched Abbey’s DNA, leading to his arrest.
Kjersem, a seasoned outdoorsman, had been camping with a group of friends in a secluded area when he separated from the group to explore a nearby trail. When he did not return, his friends went searching and found his body, which bore deep lacerations and injuries consistent with an animal attack. But evidence collected by law enforcement painted a different story. Authorities noted specific details at the crime scene—patterns in the injuries and the location of bloodstains—that suggested human involvement rather than a wildlife encounter.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials initially assisted law enforcement with the investigation, operating under the presumption that a bear attack had occurred. However, after ruling out animal involvement, investigators shifted their focus, coordinating with local and federal agencies to pursue potential human suspects. “Our hearts go out to Dustin’s family and friends,” said a spokesperson from the Montana State Police. “We are working tirelessly to uncover the truth and bring justice to his loved ones.”
Abbey is currently in custody on charges of deliberate homicide and two counts of tampering with evidence. He is being held on $1.5 million bail. Sheriff Springer emphasized that the community is no longer at risk, as Abbey is believed to have acted alone.
The news of Kjersem’s murder has left the local community in shock, as he was well-known for his love of nature and the outdoors. Many in Montana’s camping and hiking communities have been rattled by the incident, with concerns raised about safety at remote campsites and how best to protect campers in isolated areas. Local outdoor groups are calling for heightened awareness and safety precautions for campers and hikers, emphasizing the importance of keeping in touch with others and being vigilant, even in familiar outdoor areas.
Kjersem was remembered by his sister, Jillian Price, as a loving father and skilled tradesman. A fundraiser has been launched to support his children.
Law enforcement continues to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward, stressing that every detail could be crucial in building a clearer picture of the events leading up to Kjersem’s death. As the investigation unfolds, Montana authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the circumstances surrounding Kjersem’s tragic death are fully understood.
