Almost three weeks later father montana and avid outdoorsman Dustin Kjersem was found dead on a camping trip, police have identified a suspect in his “heinous” murder.

The 35-year-old man was found dead in his tent about two and a half miles off Moose Creek Road near Big Sky on Saturday, October 12. His friend who found him and called 911 initially believed he had suffered a bear attack. , but authorities quickly determined that it was a homicide.

While authorities have not yet released the name of the identified individual, the suspect is currently in custody on unrelated charges, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said in a statement. press release.

“It is believed that the suspect acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community,” Springer added. “More details and charges will be released soon, but it is important for this community to know that it is safe to resume their outdoor activities.”

CRIME SCENE CLUE COULD HELP SOLVE MURDER ON YOUNG DAD’S CAMPING TRIP WHILE KILLER REMAINS AT LOOSE

Dustin Kjersem and his daughter. Kjersem was brutally murdered while camping near Big Sky, Montana. (GoFundMe)

The suspect is cooperating with detectives and has led authorities to evidence they had previously identified, Springer said in the statement.

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Some of the evidence listed in a previous news release that police say could have been taken from the crime scene includes a Camp Estwing ax, blue and silver, likely with a 26-inch handle; a Remington Model 11-87 12 gauge shotgun, wooden stock; a Ruger Blackhawk .44 Magnum revolver, 4 5/8-inch blued barrel, wooden grips; and an orange YETI Tundra 45 cooler.

An autopsy showed Kjersem suffered “multiple stab wounds resulting in death,” police said.

FAMILY OF AN OUTDOOR-LOVING MAN KILLED IN A TENT AFRAID OF CAMPING WITH A KILLER ON THE LOOSE

In a previous news release, authorities asked the public to help locate a blue and silver ax from Camp Estwing, which they believed was taken from the crime scene. (Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office)

“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.” Springer said at the release.

“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.”

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Springer also thanked other agencies for assisting with the case, including the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI); the Montana State Crime Laboratory; the Montana Department of Corrections, Probation and Probation; the medical examiner’s office; Montana Highway Patrol; the 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.

MONTANA MAN CAMPING NEAR BIG SKY FOUND DEAD IN STORE AFTER ‘VICIOUS ATTACK’, POLICE SAY

Lone Peak and Moonlight Basin ski resorts near Big Sky, Montana. (TMI / Alamy Stock Photo)

Kjersem’s sister, Jillian Price, previously asked the public to help find the person responsible for her brother’s murder in a emotional interview with Fox News Digital.

“Everyone stop, look and help find who did this,” Price pleaded. “I’m asking anyone for help. Anyone.”

Price shared that Kjersem has a daughter and a stepson. When asked what she hopes others remember about her brother, she said, “I wish they could have heard his laugh, but I just hope they know how loving he was.”

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Dustin Kjersem was found dead in his tent while camping in Montana. Police described it as a “vicious attack.” (Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office)

Kjersem was last seen on the afternoon of October 10, leaving in his Ford F-150 to go camping. He had plans to meet a friend the next day, but he never made it to that meeting. The friend went looking for Kjersem and eventually found his body, authorities said.

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

Authorities say the investigation into Kjersem’s homicide continues and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office There will be no further comment until charges are filed.