A self-proclaimed white supremacist, Daren Christopher Abbey, has been charged with the killing of a man in a tent in southwestern Montana. Abbey pleaded not guilty to deliberate homicide and claimed self-defense during his court appearance. The victim, Dustin Kjersem, was initially thought to have been killed in a bear attack until investigators discovered inconsistencies in Abbey’s story.
Kjersem’s body was found in a tent south of Bozeman near Big Sky on October 12, leading to initial reports of a bear attack. However, further investigation revealed shot glasses and beer cans in the tent, indicating that someone else had been with Kjersem on October 10. DNA tests matched two individuals in the state’s criminal database, Daren Abbey, and his twin brother. The brother was eliminated as a suspect due to his incarceration.
Abbey claimed that Kjersem, 35, threatened him and his dog with a gun, prompting him to attack Kjersem with a block of wood, a screwdriver, and an axe. He admitted to removing beer, guns, cellphones, and other items from the crime scene and failing to report the incident initially due to his felony record. Abbey also has ties to white supremacist groups based on his tattoos and affiliations listed in prison records.
Jillian Price, Kjersem’s sister, described her brother as a skilled tradesman and a devoted father. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Kjersem’s children, raising over $37,000 so far.
The case highlights the tragic consequences of violence and the complexities of self-defense claims in criminal proceedings. It also sheds light on the presence of white supremacist ideologies in society and their potential role in violent crimes. The community’s response, shown through the fundraising efforts for Kjersem’s family, demonstrates solidarity and support in the face of tragedy.
