An American man with ties to white supremacist groups has been convicted of a brutal murder initially mistaken for a bear attack.
Daren Christopher Abbey was found guilty of savagely killing Dustin Kjersem using an axe, a block of wood, and a screwdriver in October 2024. The crime took place at Dustin’s campsite near Big Sky, Montana, where his body was later discovered by his girlfriend and a friend.
Initially reported as a possible bear attack, wildlife agents ruled out animal involvement after finding no evidence in the area. Abbey’s connection to the crime scene was established when his DNA was detected on a beer can inside Dustin’s tent.
According to Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer, Abbey claimed he acted in self-defense after a confrontation with Dustin, whom he had just met at the campsite. Prosecutors disputed Abbey’s self-defense claim, citing inconsistencies in his story and the severe injuries sustained by Dustin.
Following a six-day trial, Abbey was found guilty of deliberate homicide and evidence tampering. Although the charges could lead to a death sentence in Montana, prosecutors have opted not to pursue capital punishment in this instance.
Abbey’s defense lawyer, Sarah Kottke, stated that Abbey will decide whether to appeal the verdict after his sentencing on December 30. Kottke highlighted the challenges of presenting an affirmative defense in a remote location with no witnesses.
Prior records from Gallatin County indicated Abbey’s association with a white supremacist organization, with prison documents revealing tattoos of a swastika and an iron cross. Dustin, a self-employed contractor skilled in construction and various trades, leaves behind two children, as shared by his sister.