When Dustin Kjersem girlfriend found his body at campsite in the Montana woods she suspected Kjersem had been killed by bear because the severity his wounds.
Police told a man did it and they have now arrested a suspect who has admitted to the crime.
The accused killer removed items from campsite he believed had evidence could tie him to crime including an axe used against Kjersem Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said in news briefing.
Wildlife officials found no symbols of bear activity and an autopsy helped the idea that case was homicide setting off search for Kjersem killer.
He missed a beer can Springer said. Using DNA from the can the Montana state crime lab was able to find a match. Daren Christopher Abbey.
Abbey is being held in Butte on charge of homicide as well as two counts of tampering with evidence. He has been denied bond according to Gallation County records.
This individual confessed to murder of Dustin Kjersem the sheriff said on Abbey who is 41.
Describing Kjersem final days the sheriff said 35 year old set up camp on Thursday Oct 10 in Moose Creek region about 35 miles south of Bozeman where he planned to spend weekend with his girlfriend.
State correction department records show Abbey has four or more arrests fro DUI raising the offense to felony level.
He has tattoos on abdomen and arms including swastikas and viking symbols.
“There does not appear to be any connection between our victim and our suspect” spring said.
“This appears to be a heinous crime committed by individual who had no regard for the life of Dustin Kjersem”
Investigators are working to decide motive for the killing spring said that Abbey has told them his version of events.
“This camp included a wall tent complete with wood stove, beds, lamps and multiple other items” Springer said.
Kjersem girlfriend had to work on Friday so planned to leave campsite to bring her back that night.
Abbey who has relation with nearby town of Big Sky told investigators that planned to camp on that Thursday but when he reached the site where he planned to set up Kjersem was there before.
Springer alleged that Abbey took number of things from campsite consisting of Estwing camp axe a Remington shotgun a Ruger Blackhawk revolver orange YETI brand cooler.
Kjersem girlfriend had to work on friday so he planned to leave the campsite to bring her back that night.
“Dustin did not show up to pick up his girlfriend and she became worried”
Springer said.
“On saturday morning she and her friend drove to the campsite and found Dustin deceased the tent”
