Jillian Price, the sister of Dustin Kjersem, a homicide victim in Montana, shared her thoughts with Fox News Digital regarding the tragic loss of her brother, the status of the ongoing investigation, and her urgent appeal for assistance in locating a suspect.
A beer can discovered at the crime scene played a crucial role in enabling law enforcement to track down a man suspected of brutally murdering a Montana father and enthusiastic outdoorsman inside his camping tent, according to police reports.
Detectives from Gallatin County successfully identified Daren Christopher Abbey through a DNA sample obtained from a beer can found within the tent where Dustin Kjersem’s body was discovered. The evidence was subsequently forwarded to the Montana State Crime Lab.
Abbey, 41, stands accused of taking Kjersem’s life, who was 35 years old, after what has been described as a “chance encounter” during a camping trip in the vicinity of Big Sky, Montana, back in October.
Abbey is currently being held in Butte, Montana, after being taken into custody for an unrelated probation violation. Authorities plan to transfer him to Gallatin County where he will face charges of deliberate homicide and two counts of tampering with evidence.
IDENTIFICATION OF SUSPECT IN CAMPING TRIP MURDER AFTER DAD FOUND MURDERED IN TENT
Daren Christopher Abbey has been charged with the murder of Dustin Kjersem, a father from Montana. (Montana Department of Corrections)
“This seems to be an atrocious act carried out by someone who showed no respect for the life of Dustin Kjersem,” said Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer during a press conference on Thursday.
On Tuesday, Abbey admitted to the murder during a police interview, as noted by Springer.
The individual in question boasts an array of tattoos that include an “iron cross w/ swastika” and another featuring “swastika, SS lightning bolts,” which are associated with Germany’s Nazi Party, as detailed in his profile on the Montana Department of Corrections website.
Springer further explained, “This person took items from the campsite that he thought could link him to the crime. He removed objects he had handled, including the cooler, firearms, and an axe, planning to return to the crime scene the next night to take additional items. This behavior is characteristic of someone guilty who believes they can evade justice.”
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According to Springer, Kjersem made his way to the Moose Creek area on Thursday, October 10, where he established a campsite that included “a wall tent complete with a wood stove, beds, lamps, and various other items.” Through Abbey’s confession, law enforcement discovered that the suspect was searching for a camping spot for that Thursday evening and had specifically chosen this location.
“Upon reaching the site, he noticed that someone was already there; [Abbey] reported that Dustin welcomed him to the campsite and offered him a beer,” Springer explained. “At one point, this individual violently attacked Dustin Kjersem with a solid piece of wood, then stabbed him in the neck with a screwdriver, and eventually struck him with an ax.”
In a previous press release, officials requested the public’s assistance in locating a blue and silver Estwing camp ax, which they suspected was removed from the crime scene. (Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office)
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Kjersem had intended to leave the campsite and meet his girlfriend on Friday evening, October 11th, for a weekend together. However, when he failed to arrive as expected, concern grew for his well-being.
The following morning, Saturday, October 12th, his girlfriend and a friend traveled to the campsite, where they discovered Kjersem’s body inside the tent.
Initially, it was suspected that Kjersem had fallen victim to a bear attack, but authorities later established that it was a homicide.
“From all accounts, this murder seems to be a random incident,” Springer stated. “There doesn’t seem to be any link between our victim and the suspect.”
OUTDOOR-LOVING FAMILY OF MAN KILLED IN TENT AFRAID TO CAMP WITH KILLER ON THE LOOSE
Dustin Kjersem alongside his daughter. Kjersem lost his life in a brutal attack while camping near Big Sky, Montana. (GoFundMe)
The suspect was residing in Basin, Montana, and was employed in the Big Sky region, Springer noted, mentioning that he was involved in the construction industry. “He was essentially living in various places, I wouldn’t say transient, but somewhat unsettled.”
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“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Dustin Kjersem. No one should have to endure such a tragedy,” stated Springer. “I hope this brings a slight sense of comfort, and I truly regret that you are experiencing this pain.”
Kjersem’s sister, Jillian Price, shared with Fox News Digital that he was a father to a daughter and a stepson.
When reflecting on what she wishes others would remember about her brother, she remarked, “I wish they could have heard him laugh; more than anything, I hope they recognize how compassionate he was.”
MONTANA MAN CAMPING NEAR BIG SKY FOUND DEAD IN TENT AFTER ‘VICIOUS ATTACK,’ POLICE SAY
Dustin Kjersem was discovered deceased in his tent while enjoying a camping trip in Montana. Authorities have characterized the incident as a “vicious attack.”
“To all other criminals out there, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office along with its partners will not tolerate such actions. You will not escape accountability in our community,” stated Springer. “If you feel the urge to engage in these kinds of crimes, be aware that we will pursue you, and we will ensure you face justice.”
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“While a suspect has been taken into custody and faced charges, there remains considerable work ahead,” he remarked. “The reasons behind this attack are still unclear, and investigators will persist in assembling all available information to create a clearer understanding of the incidents that night.”
Mollie Markowitz is a journalist for Fox News Digital. You can send tips to mollie.markowitz@fox.com. She began her career at Fox in 2019, evolving from producing live news broadcasts to creating true-crime documentaries on Fox Nation. Throughout her career, she has interviewed survivors of Ted Bundy, the children of infamous serial killers, survivor Lisa McVey, along with law enforcement officials and families affected by violent crimes. Currently, she reports on national crime stories for Fox News Digital. You can connect with Mollie on LinkedIn.
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