A suspect has been arrested in the suspicious death of a Montana camper who was initially thought to have been killed by a bear.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that it has “identified a suspect” in connection with the mysterious death of 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem.
The father was discovered with slash wounds to his body and skull in the Montana wilderness near Big Sky on October 12.
Kjersem, from Belgrade, was last seen two days before his body was found by a person who thought he had died after being mauled by a bear.
A Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks agent later concluded there was no evidence of the animal in the area, prompting the sheriff’s department to open a homicide investigation.
The unidentified suspect, who led police to find “evidence” in the case, “is currently in custody on unrelated charges” and “is cooperating with detectives,” Sheriff Dan Springer revealed.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that it has “identified a suspect” in connection with the mysterious death of 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem.
Kjersem was found with slash wounds to his body and skull in the Montana wilderness near Big Sky on October 12. (In the photo: Kjersem with his young daughter)
‘The investigation into this homicide continues. “The suspect is believed to have acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community,” Springer said.
“More details and charges will be released soon, but it is important for this community to know that it is safe to resume their outdoor activities.”
Springer praised detectives “for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case,” adding that they worked tirelessly to locate Kjersem’s killer.
When his body was first found, Springer said he was involved in “a vicious attack” and that someone murdered him “in a very heinous way.”
Before he was found, Kjersem, who worked as a handyman, was driving a black 2013 Ford F-150 with a black roof and a silver aluminum ladder.
He was last seen two days before a person found his deceased body. They suspect he was attacked by a bear, but officials found no evidence of the animal in the area.
A friend of his soon became concerned after Kjersem didn’t show up for a planned camping trip.
A search was then launched for the then missing father, who was found a few days later.
Her older sister, Jillian Price, 35, urged people to help find the person who committed the gruesome crime at a press conference.
‘This weekend we lost our brother. Our son. Our uncle. Our best friend. And our father… in the most unimaginable way,” Price said, fighting back tears.
‘He was a loving, helpful and doting father who in no way deserved this.
‘I ask our community to find out who did this. There is someone in our valley who is capable of committing truly atrocious things.
A search was launched after a friend became concerned when Kjersem didn’t show up for a planned camping trip.
Before he was found, Kjersem, who worked as a handyman, was driving a black 2013 Ford F-150 with a black roof and a silver aluminum ladder.
The heartbroken sister reflected on the kind of person Kjersem was, calling him “a hard-working merchant.”
TO GoFundMe page It has since been set up to help raise money to support Kjersem’s children following his sudden death.
One adorable photo showed him with his young daughter as they posed for the camera wearing paper bunny ears and glasses.
As of Thursday morning, more than $27,000 had been raised.
DailyMail.com has contacted the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office for comment.