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

[BurnerForDaddy]

I feel like there hasn’t been much said about the noise an attack like this would cause in the woods in the middle of the night, especially with other campsites relatively close. It’s certainly possible one big axe chop killed him quietly, but if it WAS a stranger with a hatchet/axe, it seems way more likely there were screams, or crashes, or some sort of struggle. I know this was a remote area, but sound travels in secluded areas, especially at night. I wonder if it more likely there was blunt head trauma (even from the dull side of the axe) to silence the victim, followed by overkill chopping with the axe/hatchet. If that’s the case, it would indicate a crime of passion as opposed to something more random. IMO, a surprise hatchet attack from a drug-crazed transient seems like it would lead to lots of noise, which there doesn’t seem any evidence of at the moment.

 

[Sillybilly]

Hey folks,

It's fine to sleuth behind the scenes about other cases that you think could possibly be related to this one, but please be careful referencing specifics from those cases in this thread that is dedicated to Dustin's case.

When details from other cases start being discussed at length it can cause total confusion in the discussion and actually end up being a source of misinformation that gets carried through WS and beyond.

Thanks !!

 

[liona]

Does anyone remember this cold case from 2021? - same area - Bozeman MT.

Steve Kilwein- Same injuries...

"According to the death certificate, his death was caused by “multiple chop-type injuries.”
Kurt said whoever cut his father’s life short walked in and out of the house on a Sunday morning in a residential neighborhood without getting caught"

Bozeman Police look for information regarding 2021 cold case

I was just coming to post this but I knew y’all would have it! The “chop like” wounds were a little creepy to me. I don’t like the similarities and I hope Steven’s case has a little more scrutiny now. Its too close imo.
The contractor angle is interesting, is it somebody that keeps getting outbid, maybe thinks they deserve more money, somebody whose work is subpar so they aren’t getting contracts. Maybe a drifter that does off books work but looks for opportunities to kill too. They must have a car though or maybe a camper van. That was common when I was out there so maybe I can provide something here. People lived in campers and worked in the area until the weather changed and they’d head south for work. That’s what I did too so I was familiar with the lifestyle. Local harvests, the oil fields and construction were the main jobs the traveling community did until around mid to late October. There were a lot of good people but not all were good, some were really bad people and we knew who to stay away from. It was an easy way to be off grid for some. That may be something to look into. Sometimes the local contractors would come to our temporary jobs to recruit too, because we would take cash, knew it was temporary and there were no questions asked. We also did have tent campers in our makeshift campgrounds. They weren’t supposed to be there without a weather proofed camper but I guess they did the harvests that way every year so they allowed them. They came from the desert somewhere and that is how they lived all of the time. Our makeshift campgrounds were usually in a local fair property, usually very isolated too. I had to travel to Williston or Bozeman for groceries, a few hours either way. No hookups for most, except some may get electric if they get to the area early enough. Even in a camper it is a difficult way to live out there. Snow in October is not uncommon, it’s really windy and quite cold this time of the year. The money was good though. The local McDonald’s was only open certain days a week because everybody was taking the higher pay jobs in the oil fields too. Most of them also lived in camps because there is no housing. We came out to do the work the locals couldn’t because they were in the oil patch.
I hope I didn’t ramble too much but the traveling angle also stuck with me since I read about this horrible murder. This is what I did but I had the security of a hard sided camper, where Dustin was in a tent. Same type of traveling work and I’m sure not all people involved in it are good people unfortunately.

 

[RedHaus]

I was just coming to post this but I knew y’all would have it! The “chop like” wounds were a little creepy to me. I don’t like the similarities and I hope Steven’s case has a little more scrutiny now. Its too close imo.
The contractor angle is interesting, is it somebody that keeps getting outbid, maybe thinks they deserve more money, somebody whose work is subpar so they aren’t getting contracts. Maybe a drifter that does off books work but looks for opportunities to kill too. They must have a car though or maybe a camper van. That was common when I was out there so maybe I can provide something here. People lived in campers and worked in the area until the weather changed and they’d head south for work. That’s what I did too so I was familiar with the lifestyle. Local harvests, the oil fields and construction were the main jobs the traveling community did until around mid to late October. There were a lot of good people but not all were good, some were really bad people and we knew who to stay away from. It was an easy way to be off grid for some. That may be something to look into. Sometimes the local contractors would come to our temporary jobs to recruit too, because we would take cash, knew it was temporary and there were no questions asked. We also did have tent campers in our makeshift campgrounds. They weren’t supposed to be there without a weather proofed camper but I guess they did the harvests that way every year so they allowed them. They came from the desert somewhere and that is how they lived all of the time. Our makeshift campgrounds were usually in a local fair property, usually very isolated too. I had to travel to Williston or Bozeman for groceries, a few hours either way. No hookups for most, except some may get electric if they get to the area early enough. Even in a camper it is a difficult way to live out there. Snow in October is not uncommon, it’s really windy and quite cold this time of the year. The money was good though. The local McDonald’s was only open certain days a week because everybody was taking the higher pay jobs in the oil fields too. Most of them also lived in camps because there is no housing. We came out to do the work the locals couldn’t because they were in the oil patch.
I hope I didn’t ramble too much but the traveling angle also stuck with me since I read about this horrible murder. This is what I did but I had the security of a hard sided camper, where Dustin was in a tent. Same type of traveling work and I’m sure not all people involved in it are good people unfortunately.

Excellent backdrop and context, thanks for sharing @liona .

 

[Tower]

I feel like there hasn’t been much said about the noise an attack like this would cause in the woods in the middle of the night, especially with other campsites relatively close. It’s certainly possible one big axe chop killed him quietly, but if it WAS a stranger with a hatchet/axe, it seems way more likely there were screams, or crashes, or some sort of struggle. I know this was a remote area, but sound travels in secluded areas, especially at night. I wonder if it more likely there was blunt head trauma (even from the dull side of the axe) to silence the victim, followed by overkill chopping with the axe/hatchet. If that’s the case, it would indicate a crime of passion as opposed to something more random. IMO, a surprise hatchet attack from a drug-crazed transient seems like it would lead to lots of noise, which there doesn’t seem any evidence of at the moment.

I was thinking along these lines when speculating why anyone would kill someone by “chopping.” A gunshot in the woods would be very loud, but violent killing would seemingly not be quiet? I don’t mean to be graphic, but it would also leave visual evidence on the killer. This is a strange and horrifying murder.

 

[georgiajean]

I feel like there hasn’t been much said about the noise an attack like this would cause in the woods in the middle of the night, especially with other campsites relatively close. It’s certainly possible one big axe chop killed him quietly, but if it WAS a stranger with a hatchet/axe, it seems way more likely there were screams, or crashes, or some sort of struggle. I know this was a remote area, but sound travels in secluded areas, especially at night. I wonder if it more likely there was blunt head trauma (even from the dull side of the axe) to silence the victim, followed by overkill chopping with the axe/hatchet. If that’s the case, it would indicate a crime of passion as opposed to something more random. IMO, a surprise hatchet attack from a drug-crazed transient seems like it would lead to lots of noise, which there doesn’t seem any evidence of at the moment.

You are so right, just the actual chopping sound would stand out in the dark night. So even without any vocalizations from DK, I think it would have woken people up? So, what if it didn't happen at night? What if it happened in daylight when there was no one around? And, what if it didn't happen at the campsite but elsewhere, and his body was dumped there? Of course, LE knows more, and would know if it happened there or elsewhere due to evidence. Just theorizing, all MOO.

 

[georgiajean]

I was just coming to post this but I knew y’all would have it! The “chop like” wounds were a little creepy to me. I don’t like the similarities and I hope Steven’s case has a little more scrutiny now. Its too close imo.
The contractor angle is interesting, is it somebody that keeps getting outbid, maybe thinks they deserve more money, somebody whose work is subpar so they aren’t getting contracts. Maybe a drifter that does off books work but looks for opportunities to kill too. They must have a car though or maybe a camper van. That was common when I was out there so maybe I can provide something here. People lived in campers and worked in the area until the weather changed and they’d head south for work. That’s what I did too so I was familiar with the lifestyle. Local harvests, the oil fields and construction were the main jobs the traveling community did until around mid to late October. There were a lot of good people but not all were good, some were really bad people and we knew who to stay away from. It was an easy way to be off grid for some. That may be something to look into. Sometimes the local contractors would come to our temporary jobs to recruit too, because we would take cash, knew it was temporary and there were no questions asked. We also did have tent campers in our makeshift campgrounds. They weren’t supposed to be there without a weather proofed camper but I guess they did the harvests that way every year so they allowed them. They came from the desert somewhere and that is how they lived all of the time. Our makeshift campgrounds were usually in a local fair property, usually very isolated too. I had to travel to Williston or Bozeman for groceries, a few hours either way. No hookups for most, except some may get electric if they get to the area early enough. Even in a camper it is a difficult way to live out there. Snow in October is not uncommon, it’s really windy and quite cold this time of the year. The money was good though. The local McDonald’s was only open certain days a week because everybody was taking the higher pay jobs in the oil fields too. Most of them also lived in camps because there is no housing. We came out to do the work the locals couldn’t because they were in the oil patch.
I hope I didn’t ramble too much but the traveling angle also stuck with me since I read about this horrible murder. This is what I did but I had the security of a hard sided camper, where Dustin was in a tent. Same type of traveling work and I’m sure not all people involved in it are good people unfortunately.

Thank you so much for sharing this. I wonder how many people live in the dispersed camping areas around Moose Creek, either during the week days, or seasonally. How many people would DK have crossed paths with on that Thursday when he set up camp?

I want to clarify for anyone new to the thread that DK was camping that weekend for fun, not living out of his tent while he worked. His family said he packed up and left Thursday afternoon. He owns his own business, according to this: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/handyman/dustin-kjersem-construction-pfvwus-pf~1203343684
And he lists a home address in Belgrade. Not sure if he still lives there, but it is on his business page.
I just don't want people to think he was living out of his tent there.

 

[georgiajean]

Updated MSM from today. Looks like the journalist interviewed the sheriff, so a lot of quotes from him.

Moose Creek murder: Investigation continues into killing of man near Big Sky

As Gallatin County detectives work the case, chilling details of the Moose Creek homicide that left 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem dead north of Big Sky have gone viral.

www.kxlf.com

“Certainly, the location and the violence are the two things that are the most concerning," he says. "On the same side, I need the public to know we have excellent detectives on the case. I know that this sheriff's office has an interest in finding who committed this murder.”

 

[thebedbug]

A thrill killer inspired by the approaching Halloween season? It could really be anything.

 

[arielilane]

DK was set up on public land, but wonder if an issue happened with someone about private land in the area that escalated at some point? Not necessary at that time. Only spitballing...jmo

 

[Sweeper2000]

"At a camping spot off the beaten path, flags remain that mark areas of the investigation."

"I went up to the wooded camping site where Kjersem was found; it took about 50 minutes to get there from Bozeman."

“On the same side, it is probably a local issue, there is nothing to indicate that this is nothing but a local issue.”

Moose Creek murder: Investigation continues into killing of man near Big Sky

As Gallatin County detectives work the case, chilling details of the Moose Creek homicide that left 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem dead north of Big Sky have gone viral.

www.kbzk.com

So it's looking much more like this is personal to some degree. It being a "local issue" campsite far from well travelled areas and the other details. The overkill.

It's also good the Sheriff is confident with the right allocations he will get the perp.

 

[Cryptic]

DK was set up on public land, but wonder if an issue happened with someone about private land in the area that escalated at some point? Not necessary at that time. Only spitballing...jmo

I think its possible. But there might be some detractors:

- No indications of a build up: Private land owner is getting increasingly agitated about trespassing, has confronted other trespassers at gun point etc.

Nothing suggests that the campsite is in a "grey zone" that could increase chances of a confrontation:

- Creek beds or bottom land can be public in some states. But where does the bottom land end and private land begin?
Or, what is a navigable creek? (nothing to do with boats)

- Some states have easements for residents using shared "drive ways" with a broad definition of "drive way". But who is a resident?

- Public land can be leased by private people. The public still has fundamental access, but there can be restrictions on where and why.

 

[georgiajean]

I think its possible. But there might be some detractors:

- No indications of a build up: Private land owner is getting increasingly agitated about trespassing, has confronted other trespassers at gun point etc.

Nothing suggests that the campsite is in a "grey zone" that could increase chances of a confrontation:

- Creek beds or bottom land can be public in some states. But where does the bottom land end and private land begin?
Or, what is a navigable creek? (nothing to do with boats)

- Some states have easements for residents using shared "drive ways" with a broad definition of "drive way". But who is a resident?

- Public land can be leased by private people. The public still has fundamental access, but there can be restrictions on where and why.

The Moose Creek Rd dispersed camping is deep witin the Custer-Gallatin National Forest. There are no privately owned lands nearby. This map can show it better. To the right of Big Sky is the Gallatin River, running N-S. The "G" in Gallatin River is approximately where the Moose Creek Rd begins and goes to the right, or East.
(edited to correct wording)

 

[RedHaus]

The Moose Creek Rd dispersed camping is deep witin the Custer-Gallatin National Forest. There are no privately owned lands nearby. This map can show it better. To the right of Big Sky is the Gallatin River, running N-S. The "G" in Gallatin River is approximately where the Moose Creek Rd begins and goes to the right, or East.
(edited to correct wording)

View attachment 540094

Thank you for clarifying this property ownership. Back to an OP's earlier question. With this murder occurring in Custer-Gallatin National Forest, do we expect the FBI is or will be engaged?

 

[liona]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I wonder how many people live in the dispersed camping areas around Moose Creek, either during the week days, or seasonally. How many people would DK have crossed paths with on that Thursday when he set up camp?

I want to clarify for anyone new to the thread that DK was camping that weekend for fun, not living out of his tent while he worked. His family said he packed up and left Thursday afternoon. He owns his own business, according to this: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/handyman/dustin-kjersem-construction-pfvwus-pf~1203343684
And he lists a home address in Belgrade. Not sure if he still lives there, but it is on his business page.
I just don't want people to think he was living out of his tent there.

No absolutely. My point was that in the construction/contracting business out there we had a lot of temporary workers, myself included. Very easy to move on and disappear. It wouldn’t surprise me if Dustin came into contact with the traveling community in his line of work. Some of the campers were highly skilled too, some of the best actually, they usually just wanted the freedom to travel, make money under the table and not be tied down. People would just up and leave whenever the mood hit them. It would make an investigation a bit more difficult but not impossible and I’m sure they are looking into the workcamp community too, especially if he hired somebody temporarily.
I am also very curious about this particular dispersed camping area and the other campers in the area. Were they there for work or play those few days. Was there a limit of time you can stay like on blm land? Like 14 days and then you have to move at least 2 miles? Do you need a permit? I remember anywhere we stayed out there they didn’t even bother asking who we were, I could have told them any name and nobody would have known any different. No questions asked at all. Just backed in to an open space and went on with our business. But things could have changed since then, or should have changed since then.

 

[georgiajean]

Gathering all the info about the Moose Creek Rd dispersed camping in one site.

Official rules/guidelines for dispersed camping in national forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/custergallatin/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=5566&actid=34

Here is another description of the dispersed camping area on Moose Creek Rd, this from iOverlander. Many reviews on right side of page. Moose Creek Dispersed Camping | Wild Camping | United States

This website lists a maximum stay of 16 days, which matches what I have experienced with dispersed camping. Moose Creek Road Dispersed Camping

This from Road Trippers with more reviews of the dispersed camping. Moose Creek Road Dispersed Camping

The reviews from Campendium Moose Creek Road Dispersed Camping Reviews updated 2024

 

[mickey2942]

Sounds like everyone is pitching in and working on this case. Which doesn't surprise me, agencies have a lot of meetings in Montana to work on coordination and often do trainings that include multiple agencies.

Moose Creek murder: Investigation continues into killing of man near Big Sky

As Gallatin County detectives work the case, chilling details of the Moose Creek homicide that left 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem dead north of Big Sky have gone viral.

www.kbzk.com

 

[Betty P]

Sounds like everyone is pitching in and working on this case. Which doesn't surprise me, agencies have a lot of meetings in Montana to work on coordination and often do trainings that include multiple agencies.

Moose Creek murder: Investigation continues into killing of man near Big Sky

As Gallatin County detectives work the case, chilling details of the Moose Creek homicide that left 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem dead north of Big Sky have gone viral.

www.kbzk.com

Just from looking at a public service ad following the news story, the area does deal with a lot of homeless people. I suppose that’s due to the transient, seasonal nature of work in the area. It seems to often put homeless families out living with other homeless people, not a safe situation. Looks like those areas need more permanent housing, something they’re working on.

I suppose the businesses see it differently. If they can keep people working on a temp basis, it makes them move more frequently and allows the employers to pay lower wages. Kind of like the early 1900’s in the US. Not a good situation, especially for young people and families stuck in this economy. Not surprised there’s serious crime.

It seems many of the nomadic workers do know each other and pay attention to others traveling around the same areas. This should make it somewhat easier for LE to investigate suspicious persons and a possible killers movements around the area.

 

[Betty P]

Gathering all the info about the Moose Creek Rd dispersed camping in one site.

Official rules/guidelines for dispersed camping in national forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/custergallatin/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=5566&actid=34

Here is another description of the dispersed camping area on Moose Creek Rd, this from iOverlander. Many reviews on right side of page. Moose Creek Dispersed Camping | Wild Camping | United States

This website lists a maximum stay of 16 days, which matches what I have experienced with dispersed camping. Moose Creek Road Dispersed Camping

This from Road Trippers with more reviews of the dispersed camping. Moose Creek Road Dispersed Camping

The reviews from Campendium Moose Creek Road Dispersed Camping Reviews updated 2024

Looking at the reviews, it seems many of these sites are fairly close together. Hopefully people saw or heard something. These camping areas are free to use and people don’t register when they stay, so no identifying information is available about campers.

 

[RedHaus]

Does anyone remember this cold case from 2021? - same area - Bozeman MT.

Steve Kilwein- Same injuries...

"According to the death certificate, his death was caused by “multiple chop-type injuries.”
Kurt said whoever cut his father’s life short walked in and out of the house on a Sunday morning in a residential neighborhood without getting caught"

Bozeman Police look for information regarding 2021 cold case

Thanks again, @MountainGal33, for posting about this eerily similar case. I just emailed this information to Detective Nathan Kamerman of the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office in case the dots have not yet connected. It could be completely irrelevant to DK's case, but just in case...