BOZEMAN – The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office says a suspect has been identified in the murder of Dustin Kjersem, the Belgrade man who was found brutally murdered in the Moose Creek area near Big Sky.

Kjersem was found dead in his tent on Saturday, October 12. An autopsy reportedly showed he suffered “multiple slash wounds” which caused his death.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said in a news release that the suspect is in custody on unrelated charges and is cooperating. Springer says the suspect has taken detectives to previously identified evidence.

According to Sheriff Springer, the suspect is believed to have acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community. The investigation continues, but the sheriff emphasized that the community is safe to resume outdoor activities.

The suspect’s name has not been released at this time. The news release said the Sheriff’s Office will not comment further on the investigation until charges are filed.

Kjersem’s sister, Jillian Price, said at a news conference after his murder that Dustin was “a skilled, hard-working tradesman” and “a loving, helpful and adoring father who in no way deserved this.”

Sister of man murdered near Big Sky asks community to help find his killer

A fundraiser in support of Dustin Kjersem’s children describes him as “a loving, helpful and adoring father, an avid outdoorsman and a skilled tradesman who could have been the one who framed his house, poured the foundation or installed his countertop “.

Click here if you would like to donate.

“I want to thank the detectives of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case. They have worked around the clock for nearly three weeks with limited sleep, limited time for their families and limited time for themselves.” Sheriff Springer said. in the statement. “They have prioritized the safety of this community and the need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer above all else. It is this type of dedication that makes the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement officers special. This community should be proud of the men and women who have chosen a life of service to keep you, your families and your friends safe.”

Sheriff Springer also thanked the following agencies for their work on the case: the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the Montana State Crime Laboratory, the Montana Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole, the Medical Examiner, Montana Highway Patrol, Missouri River Drug Task Force, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the U.S. Forest Service and Gallatin County Search and Rescue.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue for the family of Dustin Kjersem. We hope that, in a small way, our efforts can bring you some peace during this horrible time. Our entire community grieves with you,” Sheriff Springer said.