Authorities in Montana say the suspect arrested in a fatal case initially called a bear attack

Oct. 31 (UPI) — Authorities in Montana have a suspect in connection with the killing of a camper in a brutal attack that was initially called a bear attack.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office refused to release the suspect’s name is linked to the death of 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem.

A friend found Kjersem’s body in a makeshift camp inside a tent on October 12.

While the friend told authorities the death looked like a bear attack, investigators found cut marks, including on the skull, that indicated a vicious attack by a human.

The suspect is being held on unrelated charges, Gallatin County authorities said.

“The suspect is cooperating with our detectives and led us to the evidence we identified in previous press releases,” the sheriff’s office said on Facebook on Wednesday. “The homicide investigation continues. The suspect is believed to have acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community.

“More details and allegations are to come, but it’s important for this community to know that they are safe to resume their outdoor activities. The Sheriff’s Office will have no further comment on this investigation until charges are filed.”