Arrest Made - Dustin Kjersem, 35, killed while camping, 911 caller thought bear attack, sheriff says murder, Oct. 12, 2024

[Sweeper2000]

If the suspect wasn't wearing gloves, there could be fingerprints or their own DNA on it. I don't think it's unreasonable to think a murderer might want to take the murder weapon with and dispose of it somewhere else (throwing it in a canyon, into a dumpster, hiding it elsewhere, etc.). I'm also not certain someone who has just committed a brutal murder would be thinking logically in the moment!

You would have to be thinking logically to take the weapon in that context. This seems like a particularly cold and brutal murder, to me that says all logic and no emotion. "I see, I want and I take" which is the coldest logic.

 

[Knox]

New, the Ruger Blackhawk .44 mag is around $900.

Risky to sell weapons connected to a murder, but it happens.

News story said GCSO is investigating multiple leads. Now they’re putting out specific information on items taken. I think they have someone in their scope- so to speak.

 

[loreet]

Maybe to easily Carry and conceal the other stuff taken from the tent? Moo - no idea really-

This. We had some decent and expensive tools stolen from our garage and the only other item taken was a cooler. We were pretty sure they took the cooler to pack up and move the tools. Which coincidentally was Also in MT.

I am picturing a thief who has a massive collection of coolers stashed somewhere. Also who has turned murderous. The Yeti is an amazing cooler btw. Way beyond your basic Igloo cooler.

 

[mickey2942]

I am wondering how the police knew exactly what was missing. It isn't like the victim could tell them.

If someone had been at the campsite, knew what was there, and what was missing? I am married, and honestly, I really wouldn't have a clue what would be "missing" from my husband’s campsite. I don't know what he takes, I don't even know what guns he has...

So, I find the specificity interesting. Down to the axe. I wouldn't have a clue what type of axe he has, or would be missing.

 

[loreet]

I am wondering how the police knew exactly what was missing. It isn't like the victim could tell them.

If someone had been at the campsite, knew what was there, and what was missing? I am married, and honestly, I really wouldn't have a clue what would be "missing" from my husband’s campsite. I don't know what he takes, I don't even know what guns he has...

So, I find the specificity interesting. Down to the axe. I wouldn't have a clue what type of axe he has, or would be missing.

Hmm. I think this is down to the partner? If my husband had been camping solo and robbed, I would know EXACTLY what was stolen. I would have shopped at least half the items myself.

 

[Warwick1991]

I am wondering how the police knew exactly what was missing. It isn't like the victim could tell them.

If someone had been at the campsite, knew what was there, and what was missing? I am married, and honestly, I really wouldn't have a clue what would be "missing" from my husband’s campsite. I don't know what he takes, I don't even know what guns he has...

So, I find the specificity interesting. Down to the axe. I wouldn't have a clue what type of axe he has, or would be missing.

I think there would be some photos of these items. Perhaps Dustin had a surveillance camera that was well hidden. There could also be photos of the interior of the tent taken previously for some purposes. The estimated length of the axe handle is a clue that LE is working with a photo.

 

[Deleted member 296739]

I am wondering how the police knew exactly what was missing. It isn't like the victim could tell them.

If someone had been at the campsite, knew what was there, and what was missing? I am married, and honestly, I really wouldn't have a clue what would be "missing" from my husband’s campsite. I don't know what he takes, I don't even know what guns he has...

So, I find the specificity interesting. Down to the axe. I wouldn't have a clue what type of axe he has, or would be missing.

Different families are different- I know what our camping gear is and what is typically taken- even if I’m not on the trip with my partner- I would also know what some of my family members have and if not exact guns, I’d know who to ask and see what was registered come close to knowing what might be missing- some family members don’t travel without certain guns so if they were to be found deceased anywhere in the country I’d ask if XYZ were accounted for- that said- there are other things I’m totally oblivious to that others might find strange- my partner’s second phone used for work- for example- I don’t know the type (other than not iPhone) I don’t know the phone number (I don’t ever have a need to call it) some might find what I know and don’t know strange - I think it really depends on context- moo

 

[al66pine]

"Ex" and "Stepson"

Does anyone have any color on why in the obit it would mention being survived by a stepson but not some kind of spouse / partner?
I know situations can be complicated, but my general notion is that an ex’s child isn’t commonly referred to as a stepchild?

@toucan1234
I've read only the first 20 posts & last 20 posts so am wondering about the term "ex" in the thread.

Post by @AndrewM71 referred to "spousal relationship."

Post by @Occam's Zebra addressed the stepson issue.

Did Dustin & the mother to Zeb (whom obit* referred to as "step-son") ever MARRY?
If so, did they divorce?
Link pls?
Anyone? TiA

________________________

Dustin Kjersem Obituary October 12, 2024 - Dahl Funeral & Cremation Services

View Dustin Kjersem's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

www.dahlcares.com

 

[Warwick1991]

Thanks for the info.

Honestly, I was really hoping for say a $1,100 to $1,200 type selling price- just to make them stand out a little more.

Rugers tend to depreciate quite a bit if they're used. There's also a discount from the Ruger MSRP on most models. The Blackhawks are well made and popular, but not worth a great deal if they are pawned or sold.

 

[AppleTreeGreen]

One thought I was pondering over is if DK equipped his Yeti cooler with bear-proof locks and if so, if the locks or the keys were found left behind at the crime scene or if one or both of them are also indicated to have been taken with the cooler by the perp?

https://www.yeti.com/coolers/hard-coolers/tundra/tundra-45.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=__iv_p_1_g_139753178522_c_606009458574_w_kwd-25746926974_n_g_d_m_v__l__t__r__x__y__f__o__z__i__j__s__e__h_9004468_ii__vi__&key_yeti%20tundra%2045&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADI2_49D0jOlwWLahBj_eXBcOtdxS&gclid=CjwKCAjwg-24BhB_EiwA1ZOx8pW5b5kwSTa_hb6E6WWjdxjD1kAY3AQ1XImuSAXVTzS_RI-J59tRgxoC5xUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

If they did exist and the locks and keys were found at the crime scene could that indicate the cooler was open and that DK was possibly attacked and murdered perhaps while preparing or in the midst of the meal or immediately after finishing one? Leading up to the crime unfolding could the perp and DK possibly had some friendly interaction and exchanged food/beverages beforehand? Could this maybe have led to the perp touching the cooler themselves as food and drinks were passed around and then taking it with them out of fear afterwards that it had their fingerprints on it? It does not appear that bear encounters and bear sightings are too unexpected or outside-of-the-realm-of-possibility in this area. Why take the risk by carrying it with them of any food inside possibly attracting any harmful or dangerous predators?

Wouldn’t this risk have only doubled the one that already exists just due the lingering scent of scent of blood on the perp themselves and sounds of the attack attracting wild animals or predators that could pose a threat to them? Why add to that risk with food and possibly lugging around and being slowed down by a heavy cooler? Perhaps to hide the axe? But if the axe is also possibly murder weapon and has blood on it, would the cooler be enough to hide its scent from potential predators?

Why take the guns? Were they planning to use it to harm/threaten/kill any potential witnesses responding to the crime? Were they to be used to deter any responding predators attracted to the noise and the smell of blood and fluids coming from both the perp’s person or clothes and from within the tent? Or were they used to carry out more future, like a carjacking or robbery, as the perp sought to escape from both the authorities and the crime scene undetected?

Selling them seems improbable due their association with this horrible crime IMO.

If in the instance the cooler did have locks and keys and both were missing how did the perp know where to find the keys and where did DK often keep them? In that regard I can’t see the perp stealing the cooler without taking the cooler with themselves since the locks themselves seem resistant to even being opened by grizzly bear otherwise.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hlcnf/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD603927

 

[Shamrock1]

The “stepson” in the obituary may not be a technical stepson. He could be the son of a former girlfriend, for example. Regardless of who anyone married/dated/birthed, the relationship between the boy and DK was an important one. “Stepson” is an easier way to convey a strong adult/child relationship than “son of my ex-girlfriend.” JMO.

 

[acutename]

Thinking that the shotgun and cooler were in the victim’s truck which was parked at his campsite. Seasoned campers know better than to leave a cooler with food/drinks either outside or in a tent while in bear country.
He probably had his revolver in the tent with him (shotgun too big to have in his tent).
So if the perp accessed the truck there should be dna and fingerprint evidence present on the vehicle.

In my opinion the killer definitely had a vehicle somewhere, an orange cooler would be difficult to carry around unnoticed. All JMO.

I think this what a fugitive would take- food and weapons, IMO. Is the creek deep there? Could anything be tossed there and be gone? Interesting that the weapons were not used-maybe no ammo in them? All MO.

 

[Angelcat13]

Risky to sell weapons connected to a murder, but it happens.

News story said GCSO is investigating multiple leads. Now they’re putting out specific information on items taken. I think they have someone in their scope- so to speak.

I sure hope so!

 

[Warwick1991]

I think this what a fugitive would take- food and weapons, IMO. Is the creek deep there? Could anything be tossed there and be gone? Interesting that the weapons were not used-maybe no ammo in them? All MO.

The perpetrator probably wanted to avoid attracting attention by using a firearm - the noise might be memorable even if no one actually saw anything. The weapons may have been desirable to the perpetrator, but not necessarily used for the murder.

 

[Angelcat13]

The “stepson” in the obituary may not be a technical stepson. He could be the son of a former girlfriend, for example. Regardless of who anyone married/dated/birthed, the relationship between the boy and DK was an important one. “Stepson” is an easier way to convey a strong adult/child relationship than “son of my ex-girlfriend.” JMO.

Agree 100%! Family isn’t always what we are born into. Some families are dysfunctional so members may seek/create “family” elsewhere. Other families can be so welcoming to “always have room for one more”.

When I got married I already had a son who was a senior in HS and my husband’s family welcomed him as their own. He was considered a grandson, never a step-grandson. When my daughter started HS she became friends with two kids who each had mom’s walk out on their family. Both had dads and other family members but they became my “adopted” son and daughter and will always be part of my family.

 

[Data Sleuth]

I am wondering how the police knew exactly what was missing. It isn't like the victim could tell them.

If someone had been at the campsite, knew what was there, and what was missing? I am married, and honestly, I really wouldn't have a clue what would be "missing" from my husband’s campsite. I don't know what he takes, I don't even know what guns he has...

So, I find the specificity interesting. Down to the axe. I wouldn't have a clue what type of axe he has, or would be missing.

Perhaps LE or his friend found his cell phone and it had photos of his campsite that he took as he was cooking his meal etc. LE could see some items that he had with him and are now missing.
I realize that their was poor or no cell service at the area around his camp. However maybe he planned to show someone after the trip?.

 

[ch_13]

This is assuming that the police have that persons dna.

Snipped.

In an otherwise circumstantial case, having the alleged killer’s DNA on the murder weapon could be the difference between a conviction or an acquittal.

 

[Cryptic]

Risky to sell weapons connected to a murder, but it happens.

If the leads do not pay off, maybe start looking at websites offering fire arms sales via private transactions?

The perpetrator may feel more comfortable using these venues as background checks and checks on serial numbers are not legally required.

Then factor in that some of the buyers may choose private transactions for a reason of their own and would not be inclined to ask questions that gun stores or pawnshops would.

 

[Knox]

If the leads do not pay off, maybe start looking at websites offering fire arms sales via private transactions?

The perpetrator may feel more comfortable using these venues as background checks and checks on serial numbers are not legally required.

Then factor in that some of the buyers may choose private transactions for a reason of their own and would not be inclined to ask questions that gun stores or pawnshops would.

I’m thinking street level sales, JMO.

 

[Cryptic]

I’m thinking street level sales, JMO.

I am..... sharing your better opinion.

Street sales near guarantee that nobody is going to be asking any uhmmm "hard questions".