Montana man convicted of murder in campsite killing
BOZEMAN, Mont. — A jury found a man with ties to white supremacists guilty of murder in a brutal slaying last year at a southwest Montana campsite that was initially reported as a possible bear attack.
Daren Christopher Abbey attacked Dustin Kjersem with a block of wood, an ax and a screwdriver after they met at Kjersem’s campsite near Big Sky, Montana, in October 2024, according to prosecutors.
The defendant later admitted to taking Kjersem’s guns, cooler, cell phones and other personal belongings and hiding evidence.
Abbey was linked to the murder scene through DNA found on a beer can inside the tent. He claimed the killing was an act of self-defense after Kjersem threatened him. Authorities said there were inconsistencies in his account and pointed to multiple injuries from the attack.
The victim’s girlfriend and another friend found his body and reported it as a possible bear attack. It turned into a homicide investigation after wildlife officers found no signs of bears in the area.
Kjersem had two children and worked as an independent contractor, building houses and learning other trades, according to his sister. Abbey told authorities he arrived at the campsite intending to spend the night and was greeted by Kjersem, who did not know him, according to Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer.
After a six-day trial, the jury found Abbey guilty Monday of willful homicide and tampering with evidence, according to court records.
A Gallatin County inmate briefing document last year said the defendant indicated an organizational affiliation with white supremacists. State Department of Corrections records indicate his tattoos included an Iron Cross along with a swastika.
Abbey faces sentencing Dec. 30 before state District Judge Peter Ohman.
Willful homicide is a capital offense in Montana, but prosecutors will not seek the death penalty in this case, said Jack Veil of the Gallatin County District Attorney’s Office.
