Montana Murder, Daren Christopher Abbey, who claims to be a white supremacist, was arraigned in court on Tuesday on charges of deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence in the savage killing of 35-year-old outdoorsman Dustin Kjersem. Kjersem’s bludgeoned and stabbed body was found in his tent near Big Sky, Montana, in October.
However, initial investigations by the authorities have resulted in determining that it is a homicide since investigations uncovered some inconsistencies regarding her claimed self-defense. Kjersem, 41 was indeed convicted of killing the teenager by admitting that he indeed shot Abbey and later tried to deflect charges since he alleged that she would shoot him and his dog, prompting a scuffle which killed her.
Charging documents showed that Abbey hit Kjersem with a piece of firewood, stabbed him with a screwdriver, and bludgeoned him with the blunt side of an axe. After the assault, Abbey was accused of washing the weapons in a creek and taking items off the scene, including some cell phones. DNA extracted from a beer can left at the campground tied him to the crime.
The sheriff who interrogated him, Dan Springer, called it a “chance encounter.” As he described it: “These were calculated steps to hide one’s involvement.” To make things worse, he was a member of white supremacist organizations.
The family of Kjersem was left in grief because of his death and recalls him as a gentle soul and an affectionate brother. His sister, Jillian Price, was thankful to those pursuing justice for her brother who would be profoundly missed.
The suspect is being detained on $1.5 million bail. Prosecutors acknowledged that they would not appeal for the death penalty but have continued to challenge the plea of self-defense since, according to them, no injuries were found on Abbey that suggested a defensive case. This case has attracted so much public attention because of the brutal nature of the crimes committed and the suspect’s background.
This is a grim reminder that some outdoor enthusiasts may encounter an unpredictable and dangerous situation, even in a setting that looks most peaceful.
To Read More: Global