An individual from the United States associated with white supremacist groups has been convicted of a brutal murder initially mistaken for a bear attack.

Daren Christopher Abbey was found guilty of the savage killing of Dustin Kjersem using an axe, a block of wood, and a screwdriver in October 2024 at Dustin’s campsite near Big Sky, Montana. The discovery of Dustin’s body was made by his girlfriend and a friend.

Initially thought to be a bear attack, wildlife agents ruled out that possibility after finding no animal presence in the area. Abbey was implicated in the crime scene when his DNA was detected on a beer can inside Dustin’s tent.

Abbey informed authorities that he had arrived at the campsite, intending to spend the night, and was welcomed by Dustin, whom he did not know. He claimed self-defense, alleging that he killed Dustin after being attacked, but prosecutors doubted his account due to inconsistencies and the numerous chop wounds inflicted on Dustin.

Subsequently, Abbey confessed to stealing Kjersem’s belongings and tampering with evidence post the murder. Following a six-day trial, Abbey was convicted of intentional homicide and evidence tampering but chose not to testify in his defense.

While the charges could carry a death penalty in Montana, the prosecution will not pursue capital punishment in this instance, as stated by Jack Veil from the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office to the AP.

Abbey’s defense counsel, Sarah Kottke, mentioned that Abbey would decide on appealing the conviction following his sentencing on December 30, acknowledging the challenges of asserting an affirmative defense in a remote area with no witnesses.

Records from the Gallatin County inmate information document revealed Abbey’s association with a white supremacist group and displayed tattoos of a swastika and an iron cross. Dustin, survived by two children, worked as an independent contractor, specializing in home construction and various trades, according to his sibling.