A suspect has been arrested and taken into custody following the death of a Montana man in a murder so grisly that authorities initially mistook it as a bear attack, officials said.
The suspect, who has not yet been publicly identified, had already been in police custody on unrelated charges, the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.
"The suspect is cooperating with our detectives and has led us to the evidence we have identified in prior press releases," the sheriff's office said.
Dustin Kjersem, 35, was found dead in a tent earlier this month by a friend who went looking for the camper after reporting him missing. Kjersem's friend called 911 after finding his body about two-and-a-half miles up Moose Creek Road, telling authorities that it looked as though he had been attacked by a bear.
"He was brutally killed at his campsite," Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said.
Upon investigating the site where Kjersem's body was found, an expert from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks stated that there were no signs of bear activity in the area, leading officers to suspect foul play.
"This prompted investigators to treat the case as a homicide," Gallatin Media Center said. "Evidence gathered through an autopsy further indicated that this was a homicide."
An autopsy revealed that Kjersem died from "multiple chop wounds," prompting authorities to search for a large axe as well as other items that were removed from the crime scene.
While the investigation is still ongoing, authorities confirmed that "it is believed the suspect acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community."
"Our thoughts and prayers continue for the family of Dustin Kjersem. We hope, by some small measure, our efforts can bring them a bit of peace during this horrific time. Our entire community mourns with you," Springer said.
