The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office is investigating a homicide after the body of a 35-year-old Belgrade man was found in a tent just north of Big Sky, Montana. At first, officials believed that man died from a bear attack, but experts have ruled that out. So, what happened?

Startling New Details About Murder Investigation Near Big Sky, Montana

Details about the homicide investigation are limited, but detectives are working around the clock to develop and track down leads, according to a press release from GCSO. On Saturday, October 12 at approximately 10:07 a.m., a caller reported a deceased man in a tent along Moose Creek Road, about 13 miles north of Big Sky. The caller indicated that a bear attack may have caused the death.

When officials from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana Highway Patrol, and the Big Sky Fire Department responded to the location, they searched for any signs of bear activity.

The Moose 94.7 FM logo
Get our free mobile app

An expert in bear attacks from Montana FWP found no signs of bear activity in the area. When the possibility of a bear attack was ruled out, investigators were prompted to treat the case as a homicide. Evidence gathered through an autopsy further indicated that it was a homicide. According to the report, the victim died from multiple chop wounds.

When asked if there is a threat to the community, Sheriff Dan Springer said; "We don't know. We don't have enough information at this time."

The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Dustin Mitchell Kjersem, of Belgrade, Montana.

GCSO is seeking the public’s assistance on the homicide of Dustin Kjersem. Dustin was last seen on Thursday, Oct. 10, and was driving a black 2013 Ford F-150 with a black topper and a silver aluminum ladder rack.

If you were in the Moose Creek area, or anywhere in Gallatin Canyon, between Thursday afternoon and early Saturday morning and noticed anything unusual, whether you saw Dustin, Dustin’s truck, noticed suspicious activity, have footage from game cameras or in-vehicle cameras from the area or observed something out of place, please come forward. Even the smallest detail could be crucial to the investigation.

To share information:

  • During business hours: Call 406-582-2121 and leave a message.
  • After hours or for urgent tips: Call 406-582-2100 and select option 1 to reach a dispatcher.

Investigators say that the incident was a vicious attack, and the suspect is still at large. Your assistance is invaluable, and all information is greatly appreciated.

Common scams targeting Montana residents

Montana officials are advising residents to watch out for these common scams.

Gallery Credit: Dino Flammia

Creepy Abandoned Children's Orphanage in Montana

The Montana Children's Center (formerly an orphanage) in Twin Bridges, Montana is guaranteed to creep you out!

Gallery Credit: jessejames

11 Amazon Items Sold in Montana Now Under Urgent Recall

Amazon has listed these products, which were available to shoppers in Montana, on their page of recent safety recalls.

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

More From The Moose 94.7 FM