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

[RedHaus]

DBM - replied to wrong post.

 

[RedHaus]

Opening arguments and witness testimony in Daren Abbey trial begins

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The trial of Daren Abbey, charged with deliberate homicide in the 2024 murder of Dustin Kjersem in the Moose Creek Campground area, continued with opening arguments and

www.montanarightnow.com

RSBM
I sure hope the prosecution has more than 1. declaring DK was a well respected nice guy, 2. DK didn't mind having a dog on his bed, and 3. DA didn't have defense wounds. I sure hope they have a solid murder scenario based on the evidence.

ETA: I found a local fellow reporting on the trial each day on Instagram - his profile is #alexmccollumtv.

 

[loreet]

I was going to say something snarky and slanderous about our Montana and local Bozeman news reporting. But you may have already made any relevant assessments. Truly. It’s weird, the lack of coverage for such a violent murder. And not helpful. Some would say inadequate.

 

[mickey2942]

I was going to say something snarky and slanderous about our Montana and local Bozeman news reporting. But you may have already made any relevant assessments. Truly. It’s weird, the lack of coverage for such a violent murder. And not helpful. Some would say inadequate.

Well, ski season is coming up. Doesn't surprise me a bit that this is under reported in the area.

Big Sky, Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana, is safe and fun for vacations. Come skiing!

 

[Niner]

This is the only article I could find for yesterday. Unfortunately they don't give the names of people testifying.

Trial of alleged killer Darren Abbey continues

The trial continued Wednesday for alleged killer Darren Abbey, who is accused of brutally murdering a Belgrade man in October 2024 at a Big Sky area campsite.

www.kbzk.com

 

[Niner]

Thursday, Nov. 6th:
*Trial continues (Day 3) (@ 9am MT) - MT - *Dustin Mitchell Kjersem (36) was last seen on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 & was found dead in his tent on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 along Moose Creek Road north of Big Sky, MT. - *Daren Christopher Abbey (41) arrested 10/24/24 (unrelated charges [parole violation]), charged (11/1/24) & arraigned (11/26/24) with deliberate homicide & 2 counts of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Originally bond denied. Bond set at $1.5M (11/1/24). Plead not guilty (11/26/24) Gallatin County
Speedy trial began on 11/3/25 with jury selection & ended 11/3/25.
Trial began on 11/4/25. [thru 11/14/25]
18th Judicial District Court Judge Peter B. Ohman presiding. DA Daniel Guzynski. Defense attorney Sarah Kottke.
Case & Court info from 10/25/24 thru 10/21/25 & Jury Selection (11/3/25) reference post #575 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...heriff-says-murder-oct-12-2024.726290/page-29
11/4/25 Tuesday, Trial Day 1: Opening statements by DA Daniel Guzynski & Defense attorney Sarah Kottke.
State witnesses: Jillian Price, Dustin’s older sister. Matthew Kebschull, Dustin’s best friend. Natalie Holloway, Dustin’s girlfriend Trial continues on Wednesday, 11/5/25.
11/5/25 Wednesday, Trial Day 2: State witnesses: Deputy Coroner. Medical Examiner. No other info available yet. Trial continues on Thursday, 11/6/25.

 

[mickey2942]

Trial of alleged killer Darren Abbey continues

The trial continued Wednesday for alleged killer Darren Abbey, who is accused of brutally murdering a Belgrade man in October 2024 at a Big Sky area campsite.

www.kbzk.com

The Medical Examiner testified today, no name given. Went over injuries to Kjersem. Consistent with homicide. Deputy Coroner and crime scene technologist.

Wednesday’s testimony included a deputy coroner, who testified that the killing of 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem did not appear to be a bear attack as initially thought. Also, a medical examiner who described Kjersem’s injuries as consistent with an axe or machete, and a criminal investigator who collected blood and photographs

 

[mickey2942]

Detective testifies Abbey described using multiple weapons in Kjersem killing

Detective testified Abbey described using firewood, axe and screwdriver in Kjersem killing. Said victim threatened his dog over air mattress.

www.kbzk.com

There is a bit more news on the trial today, made Missoula and Helena local papers.

The testimony today was from a detective at the scene (no name)

According to the detective's testimony, Abbey said he was trying to knock out Kjersem after Kjersem threatened to shoot Abbey's dog and kill him because his dog had messed up Kjersem's air mattress.

 

[mickey2942]

Daren Abbey trial continues with DCI testimony, analysis from state crime lab scientists

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The trial of Daren Abbey, charged with the 2024 murder of Dustin Kjersem at Moose Creek Campground near Big Sky, continued today with new developments in the

www.montanarightnow.com

the investigator highlighted inconsistencies in Abbey's story. For instance, Abbey did not mention using an axe on Kjersem until directly asked. The location of the axe also changed in his recounting, and while Abbey claimed he discarded a screwdriver in a Town Pump garbage can, DCI later found it in his truck.

 

[Niner]

Friday, Nov. 7th:
*Trial continues (Day 4) (@ 9am MT) - MT - *Dustin Mitchell Kjersem (36) was last seen on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 & was found dead in his tent on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 along Moose Creek Road north of Big Sky, MT. - *Daren Christopher Abbey (41) arrested 10/24/24 (unrelated charges [parole violation]), charged (11/1/24) & arraigned (11/26/24) with deliberate homicide & 2 counts of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Originally bond denied. Bond set at $1.5M (11/1/24). Plead not guilty (11/26/24) Gallatin County
Speedy trial began on 11/3/25 with jury selection & ended 11/3/25.
Trial began on 11/4/25. [thru 11/14/25]
18th Judicial District Court Judge Peter B. Ohman presiding. DA Daniel Guzynski. Defense attorney Sarah Kottke.
Case & Court info from 10/25/24 thru 10/21/286 Jury Selection (11/3/25) & Trial Days 1-2 (11/4-5/25) reference post #575 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...heriff-says-murder-oct-12-2024.726290/page-30
11/5/25 Wednesday, Trial Day 2 [correction]: State witnesses: Deputy Coroner. Medical Examiner. Criminal investigator. [no names given]. Trial continues on Thursday, 11/6/25.
11/6/25 Thursday, Trial Day 3: State witnesses: DCI Detective [who interviewed defendant]. Trial continues on Friday, 11/7/25.

 

[mickey2942]

Evidence opened in court, detention center inmate testifies in Daren Abbey trial

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The trial of Daren Abbey, accused of murdering Dustin Kjersem in 2024, continued in Gallatin County with significant developments from investigators and other witnesses.

www.montanarightnow.com

Detectives testified about taking Abbey to Delmoe Lake, where he hid crime scene objects. They presented photos of the search and opened evidence in court, including the axe, screwdriver, pistol and holster used in the crime.

A detective monitoring Abbey's jail phone calls revealed Abbey made three calls over the summer, mentioning a fellow inmate being a snitch.

An inmate testified that Abbey told him about a drug deal at Moose Creek Campground, where he met Kjersem. According to the inmate, Abbey claimed they shared drinks and used a chainsaw to cut a tree, but it ran out of gas so they went back to Kjersem's tent. Abbey allegedly mentioned seeing a pistol in Kjersem's tent and admitted taking it when Kjersem wasn't looking.

The inmate said that Abbey claimed when Kjersem noticed the gun was missing, he questioned Abbey. Abbey then said he attacked Kjersem using a wood block, axe and screwdriver. The inmate also claimed Abbey discussed cleaning up some of the crime scene evidence.

 

[RedHaus]

Evidence opened in court, detention center inmate testifies in Daren Abbey trial

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The trial of Daren Abbey, accused of murdering Dustin Kjersem in 2024, continued in Gallatin County with significant developments from investigators and other witnesses.

www.montanarightnow.com

Detectives testified about takient ent ng Abbey to Delmoe Lake, where he hid crime scene objects. They presented photos of the search and opened evidence in court, including the axe, screwdriver, pistol and holster used in the crime.

A detective monitoring Abbey's jail phone calls revealed Abbey made three calls over the summer, mentioning a fellow inmate being a snitch.

An inmate testified that Abbey told him about a drug deal at Moose Creek Campground, where he met Kjersem. According to the inmate, Abbey claimed they shared drinks and used a chainsaw to cut a tree, but it ran out of gas so they went back to Kjersem's tent. Abbey allegedly mentioned seeing a pistol in Kjersem's tent and admitted taking it when Kjersem wasn't looking.

The inmate said that Abbey claimed when Kjersem noticed the gun was missing, he questioned Abbey. Abbey then said he attacked Kjersem using a wood block, axe and screwdriver. The inmate also claimed Abbey discussed cleaning up some of the crime scene evidence.

Excellent update. Thank you.

Now, that is a cogent narrative about what happened that night. I have more questions but am hopeful for answers.

The confrontation must have started and ended mighty quickly, me thinks.

 

[mickey2942]

Excellent update. Thank you.

Now, that is a cogent narrative about what happened that night. I have more questions but am hopeful for answers.

The confrontation must have started and ended mighty quickly, me thinks.

And once again, we only have the "story" from Abbey. Who knows what really happened?! For all we know, Abbey came up to Kjersem asleep, clocked him cold, and over killed him while he was asleep, then stole his stuff.

I wonder if Abbey was doing some drugs, meth? They make some meth with Kratom, that is some bad stuff. They cook in Basin. Everyone knows that. Couldn't pay me to get off the freeway there. In between Butte and Helena off I-15. From the road it is a sad, junkie wasteland town. Crazy crimes happen there. That is where Abbey was reportedly living.

Basin, Montana - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[RedHaus]

And once again, we only have the "story" from Abbey. Who knows what really happened?! For all we know, Abbey came up to Kjersem asleep, clocked him cold, and over killed him while he was asleep, then stole his stuff.

I wonder if Abbey was doing some drugs, meth? They make some meth with Kratom, that is some bad stuff. They cook in Basin. Everyone knows that. Couldn't pay me to get off the freeway there. In between Butte and Helena off I-15. From the road it is a sad, junkie wasteland town. Crazy crimes happen there. That is where Abbey was reportedly living.

Basin, Montana - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

True.

While I doubt I can ascribe this kind of intelligence to DA, who knows whether DA planted that story with the 'snitch' to detract LE from considering an in-cold-blood scenario for his killing of DK.

Hopefully the snitch is being protected, whether or not he is still in prison.

I think many here, myself included, thought illicit drugs may have had something to do with this case. So I wouldn't be surprised if DA had been jacked up on meth or another drug. If DA waa from Basin, given your description...

IMO

 

[Niner]

Here's another article (which I can read )

Evidence opened in court, detention center inmate testifies in Daren Abbey trial

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The trial of Daren Abbey, accused of murdering Dustin Kjersem in 2024, continued in Gallatin County with significant developments from investigators and other witnesses.

www.fairfieldsuntimes.com

The judge dismissed the jury early for the weekend. Closing arguments are scheduled to start on Monday morning, after which the jury will receive instructions and begin deliberation.

Looks like closing arguments already!!

 

[bluestsocks]

RSBM
I sure hope the prosecution has more than 1. declaring DK was a well respected nice guy, 2. DK didn't mind having a dog on his bed, and 3. DA didn't have defense wounds. I sure hope they have a solid murder scenario based on the evidence.

ETA: I found a local fellow reporting on the trial each day on Instagram - his profile is #alexmccollumtv.

In a self defense case, you kinda have to start with the character of the victim and the propensity or not towards violence, short temper, threats, history, etc. usually makes sense to do that first and then move into the more detailed case.

 

[mickey2942]

In a self defense case, you kinda have to start with the character of the victim and the propensity or not towards violence, short temper, threats, history, etc. usually makes sense to do that first and then move into the more detailed case.

So, wouldn't Abbey have to testify that he was in a "life or death" situation? And fought for his life?

Or will he just let his attorney keep talking for him?

 

[Niner]

Monday, Nov. 10th:
*Trial continues (Day 5)-Closing Arguments! (@ 9am MT) - MT - *Dustin Mitchell Kjersem (36) was last seen on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 & was found dead in his tent on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 along Moose Creek Road north of Big Sky, MT. - *Daren Christopher Abbey (41) arrested 10/24/24 (unrelated charges [parole violation]), charged (11/1/24) & arraigned (11/26/24) with deliberate homicide & 2 counts of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Originally bond denied. Bond set at $1.5M (11/1/24). Plead not guilty (11/26/24) Gallatin County
Speedy trial began on 11/3/25 with jury selection & ended 11/3/25.
Trial began on 11/4/25.
18th Judicial District Court Judge Peter B. Ohman presiding. DA Daniel Guzynski. Defense attorney Sarah Kottke.
Case & Court info from 10/25/24 thru 10/21/286 Jury Selection (11/3/25) & Trial Days 1-3 (11/4-6/25) reference post #590 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...heriff-says-murder-oct-12-2024.726290/page-30
11/7/25 Friday, Trial Day 4: State witnesses: Detectives. An inmate. Sheriff's Deputy.
The judge dismissed the jury early for the weekend. Closing arguments are scheduled to start on Monday morning, after which the jury will receive instructions and begin deliberation. Trial continues on Monday, 11/10/25.

 

[mickey2942]

Jury convicts man of murdering Dustin Kjersem last year

After deliberating for three-and-a-half hours on Monday, Gallatin County jurors found Daren Christopher Abbey guilty of killing of 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem last year near Big Sky.

www.belgrade-news.com

3.5 hours deliberation, Abbey convicted on all counts.

Sentencing on December 30, 2025.

 

[mickey2942]

Daren Abbey convicted of murdering Moose Creek camper Dustin Kjersem

After deliberating for three-and-a-half hours on Monday, Gallatin County jurors found Daren Christopher Abbey guilty of killing of 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem last year near Big Sky.

www.bozemandailychronicle.com