A white supremacist has been convicted of murder in a brutal attack at a campsite in southwestern Montana, a crime so violent it was initially mistaken for a bear attack. Daren Christopher Abbey, 41, was found guilty of deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence on Monday after a six-day trial.
The victim, Dustin Kjersem, 35, was killed at his campsite near Big Sky in October last year. Prosecutors said Abbey attacked Kjersem with a block of wood, an axe, and a screwdriver after they met at the site. Abbey later admitted to stealing Kjersem's guns, cooler, mobile phones and other belongings, and concealing evidence.
Abbey's DNA was found on a beer can inside the tent, linking him to the murder. Court records noted Abbey's affiliation with white supremacists, and his tattoos included an iron cross with a swastika. Investigators found shot glasses and beer cans suggesting someone else had been with Kjersem on 10 October. DNA tests matched Abbey and his twin brother, but the brother was ruled out as he was serving a prison sentence.
Abbey claimed self-defence, saying Kjersem threatened him, but authorities said his story had inconsistencies and pointed to multiple chop wounds. The victim's girlfriend and a friend reported the scene as a possible bear attack, but wildlife agents found no bear signs, leading to a homicide investigation.
Kjersem, a self-employed contractor and father of two, had welcomed Abbey to stay the night despite not knowing him, according to Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer. Abbey faces sentencing on 30 December. Deliberate homicide is a capital offence in Montana, but prosecutors will not seek the death penalty.
