The suspect in the Montana camping trip was identified after the father was found murdered in the tent

Almost three weeks later The father from Montana and outdoorsman Dustin Kjersem was found dead on a camping trip, police have identified a suspect in his “heinous” murder.

The 35-year-old man was found dead in his tent about two and a half miles up Moose Creek Road near Big Sky on Saturday, October 12. His friend who found him and called 911 initially thought he had suffered a bear attack. , but authorities quickly determined it was a homicide.

Although authorities have not yet released the name of the person identified, the suspect is currently in custody on unrelated charges, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said in a statement. press release.

“The suspect is believed to have acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community,” Springer added. “More details and fees will be forthcoming, but it’s important for this community to know they are safe to resume their outdoor activities.”

CRIME SCENE TIP COULD HELP SOLVE MURDER OF YOUNG FATHER ON CAMPING TRIP, AS MURDER REMAINS UNCLOSED

Dustin Kjersem and his daughter. Kjersem was brutally murdered while camping near Big Sky, Montana. (GoFundMe)

The suspect is cooperating with detectives and has led authorities to evidence they previously identified, Springer said in the release.

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Some of the evidence listed in an earlier press release that police said may have been taken from the crime scene included a blue and silver Estwing camp ax, possibly with a 26-inch handle; a Remington Model 11-87 12 gauge shotgun, wood stock; a Ruger Blackhawk .44 Magnum revolver, 4 5/8 inch blued barrel, wood grips; and an orange YETI Tundra 45 cooler.

An autopsy showed Kjersem suffered “multiple slash wounds, which led to his death,” police said.

FAMILY OF MEN Outdoor lover, murdered in a tent, afraid to camp with killer on the loose

In an earlier news release, authorities asked the public to help locate a blue and silver Estwing ax they believed was taken from the crime scene. (Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office)

“I want to thank the detectives of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case. They worked day and night for nearly three weeks with limited sleep, limited time with their families and limited time for themselves,” said Springer in release.

“They prioritized the safety of this community and the need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer above all else. This type of dedication makes the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement officers special. This community should be proud of the men and women who have chosen a life of service to keep you, your families and your friends safe.”

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Springer also thanked other agencies for their help in the case, including the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI); Montana State Crime Lab; Montana Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole; Medical Forensic Cabinet; Montana Highway Patrol; Missouri River Drug Task Force; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; US Forest Service and Gallatin County Search and Rescue.

MONTANA MAN CAMPING NEAR CERU MARE FOUND DEAD IN TENT AFTER ‘VICIOUS ATTACK,’ POLICE SAY

Lone Peak and Moonlight Basin Ski Resorts near Big Sky, Montana. (TMI / Alamy Stock Photo)

Kjersem’s sister, Jillian Price, previously pleaded for the public to help find the person responsible for killing her brother in a emotional interview with Fox News Digital.

“Everybody stop and look and help find who did this,” Price implored. – I’m asking for help from anyone. Anyone.

Price said Kjersem has a daughter and stepson. When asked what she hopes others will remember about her brother, she said: “I wish I could have heard his laugh, but I just hope they know how caring he was.”

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Dustin Kjersem was found dead in his tent while camping in Montana. Police described it as a “vicious attack”. (Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office)

Kjersem was last seen on the afternoon of October 10, leaving in his Ford F-150 to go camping. He was going to meet a friend the next day, but he never made that date. The friend went to look for Kjersem and eventually found his body, authorities said.

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“Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Dustin Kjersem’s family,” Springer said. “We hope that in some small way our efforts can bring them some peace during this terrible time. Our entire community mourns with you.”

Authorities say the investigation into Kjersem’s homicide is still ongoing Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office will have no further comment until charges are filed.