Arrest made in camper's murder, initially reported as a bear attack

A fishy has been arrested astir 3 weeks aft a Montana camper was found brutally killed successful an onslaught that was initially reported arsenic a carnivore attack, authorities precocious Wednesday.

The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office said it had identified a fishy successful nan execution of Dustin Kjersem, who was recovered dormant successful his shelter earlier this month. The suspect, who was not identified, was successful custody connected unrelated charges, authorities said.

"The fishy is cooperating pinch our detectives and has led america to nan grounds we person identified successful anterior property releases," nan sheriff's agency said.

Kjersem, 35, was recovered dormant earlier this period by a friend who reported Kjersem appeared to person been killed by a carnivore — but officials soon discovered nan camper was really nan unfortunate of a sadistic murder.

  Dustin Kjersem Gallatin County Sheriff's Office

The sheriff's agency said Wednesday nan investigation is ongoing but "it is believed nan fishy acted unsocial and location is nary longer a threat to nan community."

Last week, authorities said they were are looking for a ample axe and different items that were apt taken from nan crime scene. Authorities said they were looking for a bluish and metallic Estwing campy axe, apt pinch a 26" handle, arsenic good arsenic a Remington shotgun and Ruger Blackhawk revolver. The sheriff's agency said it was besides looking for an orangish Tundra 45 cooler made by YETI.

Earlier this month, a friend discovered Kjersem's assemblage successful a shelter astatine a makeshift campsite on Moose Creek Road and called 911, telling responders nan decease appeared to person been caused by a carnivore attack, the sheriff's agency antecedently said.

But a authorities wildlife charismatic recovered nary signs of carnivore activity, and investigators said they soon recovered grounds of a "vicious attack." An autopsy later showed Kjersem sustained "multiple chop wounds," including to his skull.

Kjersem's sister Jillian Price said her relative was a skilled tradesman and a doting father.

A GoFundMe group up for Kjersem's children has raised much than $27,000.

In:
• Montana
• Murder