Everyone Thought Camper Was Killed by a Bear. But It Was a Man, Not a Beast, Who Killed Him. Now He’s Heading to Prison

A Montana jury has convicted Daren Christopher Abbey in the horrific 2024 killing of camper Dustin Kjersem — a crime scene so brutal that first responders initially suspected a bear attack.

Abbey was found guilty on Monday, Nov. 10 of deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence in connection with Kjersem’s mid-October 2024 death at a remote campsite off Moose Creek Road, north of Big Sky, Mont., according to coverage by NBC News, CBS News and The Associated Press.

Kjersem disappeared on Thursday, Oct. 10. Two days later, another camper discovered his body inside a tent. Authorities were initially told a bear may have attacked him due to the severe trauma. However, wildlife experts quickly doubted that theory, noting there were no signs of bear activity in the area.

Investigators later determined that Kjersem had been violently struck in the head with a block of wood before being attacked with an ax and stabbed with a screwdriver.

Abbey — who the AP reported has connections to white supremacist groups — was identified through DNA evidence and eventually confessed, after first claiming he acted in self-defense.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office announced a suspect was in custody on Oct. 30, 2024, stating that Abbey was believed to have “acted alone.” Officials described the killing as “a vicious attack” in their news release.

Kjersem, a Belgrade, Mont., resident and father of two, worked as a contractor on home construction projects, his sister told the AP.

During the trial, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer testified that Abbey told investigators he approached the campsite looking for a place to stay but found Kjersem already there. Despite being strangers, Kjersem welcomed Abbey and offered him a beer, according to NBC News.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 30, the AP reported.