GALLATIN COUNTY, Mont. — Sheriffs in Montana confirm that a suspect has been arrested nearly three weeks after a Montana camper was found brutally killed in what was initially reported as a bear attack.
Dustin Kjersem was found dead in his tent earlier in October by a friend he was supposed to meet up with earlier in the day. The friend said it looked like Kjersem had been mauled by a bear, but it was quickly ruled to be a murder. According to KTVQ in Billings, Kjersem’s autopsy showed “multiple chop wounds” caused his death.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office did not name the suspect, but they said the person was in custody on unrelated charges and is cooperating with detectives.
In a press release, Sheriff Dan Springer from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office says they believe the suspect acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community. Sheriff’s also said further charges are forthcoming.
In the release, Sheriff Springer said, "I want to thank the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Detectives for their unrelenting pursuit of justice on this case. They have worked day and night for nearly three weeks with limited sleep, limited time with their families and limited time to themselves," Sheriff Springer said in the release. "They have prioritized the safety of this community and the need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer above all else. It is this type of dedication that makes the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement officers special. This community should be proud of the men and women who have chosen a life of service to keep you, your families, and your friends safe."