A Montana jury has convicted a man with ties to white supremacist groups of murder in the savage killing of another camper—an attack that was first reported as a possible bear mauling.
Prosecutors said Daren Christopher Abbey attacked Dustin Kjersem at a remote campsite near Big Sky, Montana, in October 2024, using a block of wood, an axe, and a screwdriver. After the assault, Abbey stole Kjersem’s guns, phones, cooler, and other belongings before attempting to hide evidence, according to court documents.
Investigators linked Abbey to the crime through DNA found on a beer can left inside the victim’s tent. He claimed he acted in self-defense after Kjersem allegedly threatened him, but prosecutors said his story was riddled with inconsistencies and pointed to multiple chop wounds on the victim’s body as proof of deliberate violence.
Kjersem’s girlfriend and a friend discovered his body and initially believed he had been killed by a bear. That theory was dismissed after wildlife agents found no trace of a bear in the area.
According to Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer, Abbey had arrived uninvited at Kjersem’s campsite and was welcomed to stay the night. Kjersem offered him a beer—the same can later used to tie Abbey to the scene after he attempted to remove other evidence of his presence.
After a six-day trial, jurors found Abbey guilty Monday of deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence. He did not testify in his own defense.
Defense attorney Sarah Kottke said Wednesday that Abbey will decide whether to appeal following his sentencing on December 30 before State District Judge Peter Ohman. “This was a tough case, and asserting an affirmative defense comes with challenges—especially in a remote area with no witnesses,” she told the Associated Press.
Court records show Abbey has white supremacist tattoos, including a swastika and iron cross, and previously listed affiliations with extremist organizations.
Although deliberate homicide is a capital offense in Montana, prosecutors said they will not seek the death penalty.