by GALLATIN COUNTY, MT — A Montana man has been convicted in a horrific 2024 campsite killing that was so brutal, authorities initially believed the victim had been mauled by a bear. Prosecutors say the true cause was far more sinister: a deadly attack carried out by a stranger sharing the same remote campsite.
42-Year-Old Man Found Guilty in Brutal Killing
Daren Christopher Abbey, 42, was convicted of deliberate homicide for the killing of 35-year-old father Dustin Kjersem near Big Sky in October 2024. The Gallatin County Attorney’s Office confirmed the verdict, calling it a necessary reflection of the community’s demand for justice.
“This verdict reflects our community’s expectation that violent acts resulting in the loss of life will be met with accountability,” — Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell
Investigators said the two men were strangers who met by chance. Abbey later admitted that Kjersem had welcomed him into the campsite near Moose Creek Road, where the pair shared a beer the night of Oct. 10, 2024.
Attack Initially Mistaken for Bear Mauling
Authorities said Abbey attacked Kjersem with a block of wood, an ax, and a screwdriver sometime during the night. The next morning, Kjersem’s girlfriend—who had planned to join him at the campsite—found his body mutilated inside his tent on Oct. 12. The severity of the injuries and the remote wilderness location initially led her to believe Kjersem had been killed by a bear.
She immediately called 911 to report the gruesome discovery, describing what appeared to be a wildlife attack. But investigators soon found evidence that told a different story.
DNA recovered from a beer can in the tent matched Abbey, leading deputies to arrest him. He later confessed to the killing, according to Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer.
Evidence Contradicted Abbey’s Claim of Self-Defense
During the trial, Abbey’s attorney attempted to argue that Kjersem had pointed a gun at him, prompting Abbey to act in self-defense. But prosecutors said the physical evidence—including multiple “chop wounds” and indications of extensive violence—undermined that claim.
“If the jury would have believed there was self defense they would have acquitted,” — Defense attorney Kottke, via email
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Prosecutors also revealed that Abbey had attempted to hide or remove evidence from the scene. In 2024, Sheriff Springer said Abbey may have taken an ax, a shotgun, a revolver, a cooler, and other items from the campsite before returning again to collect more.
Motive Still Unknown
Authorities said they have not established a motive. Abbey had planned to camp in the area but found Kjersem already set up with a wall tent, stove and multiple beds. What transpired after the two shared a beer remains unclear, but investigators say the violence was deliberate and extensive.
Facing Life in Prison
Abbey now faces up to life in prison for the homicide conviction. He was also found guilty of two counts of evidence tampering, each carrying an additional potential 10-year sentence.
His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 30.
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