A Montana man with known ties to white supremacist groups has been convicted of murdering a man at a remote campsite in what was initially reported as a bear attack.
Daren Christopher Abbey was found guilty by a jury of fatally attacking Dustin Kjersem with an axe, a block of wood, and a screwdriver after meeting at Kjersem’s campsite in Big Sky, Montana, in October 2024, according to Fox News.
Investigators traced Abbey to the scene after his DNA was discovered on a beer can inside Kjersem’s tent. Abbey initially claimed self-defense, alleging that Kjersem attacked him.
Authorities, however, highlighted multiple inconsistencies in Abbey’s account and noted the severe chop wounds inflicted on Kjersem.
Kjersem’s girlfriend and a friend discovered his body and first reported it as a potential bear attack. Wildlife agents later ruled out that theory after finding no evidence of an animal at the scene.
Abbey later admitted to stealing Kjersem’s cooler, guns, and cellphones, and to concealing evidence after the killing.
The six-day trial concluded with Abbey convicted of deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence. He did not testify in his defense.
Although the charges carry a potential death penalty in Montana, prosecutors have decided not to pursue it, Jack Veil of the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office told the AP.
Abbey’s defense attorney, Sarah Kottke, said her client will decide whether to appeal after his sentencing on Dec. 30.
“This was a tough case, and asserting an affirmative defense comes with multiple hurdles, especially when it happens in such a remote area with no witnesses to the events that took place,” Kottke said.
Records indicate Abbey had previous ties to a white supremacist organization.
Gallatin County inmate documents, as well as Montana State Department of Corrections records, show Abbey has tattoos of a swastika and an iron cross.
The brutal killing, initially misattributed to wildlife, underscores the dangers of remote campsites and the potential for violent encounters fueled by extremist associations.
