A Montana jury has found Daren Christopher Abbey guilty of murder after he brutally attacked Dustin Kjersem with an axe at a campsite near Big Sky, Montana. The victim’s girlfriend initially reported the attack as a bear but investigation revealed no bear was present, leading to a homicide inquiry.

Abbey attacked Kjersem with a block of wood, an axe, and a screwdriver after meeting at Kjersem’s campsite in October 2024. An autopsy showed Kjersem sustained multiple chop wounds, including to his skull. Abbey admitted to taking Kjersem’s guns, cooler, cellphones, and other belongings while concealing evidence. DNA found on a beer can inside the tent linked Abbey to the murder scene.

The victim’s girlfriend and another friend discovered Kjersem’s body and reported it as a possible bear attack. Wildlife agents found no sign of a bear in the area, prompting a homicide investigation. Abbey is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 30.

Abbey claimed the killing was in self-defense after Kjersem threatened him, but authorities noted inconsistencies in his story, pointing to multiple chop wounds. Defense attorney Sarah Kottke stated the jury’s decision was respected, though they argued self-defense. Abbey faces up to life in prison on the homicide conviction and was also convicted of two counts of tampering with evidence, carrying up to 10 years each.