Montana man sentenced to 100 years for brutal campsite murder

Daren Abbey convicted of killing Dustin Kjersem at remote Big Sky site in 2024

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Daren Abbey has been sentenced to 100 years in prison with no chance of parole for 80 years for the brutal murder of Dustin Kjersem at a remote campsite near Big Sky, Montana in October 2024. The conviction was made possible through DNA evidence, detective work, and the cooperation of multiple agencies.

Why it matters

The case highlights the challenges of investigating remote crimes and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies. It also underscores the impact of violent crimes on local communities and the need for justice and accountability.

The details

Kjersem was initially believed to have been killed in a bear attack, but the investigation later revealed it was a homicide. DNA evidence collected from the campsite, including beer cans and shot glasses, led investigators to Abbey as the primary suspect. After being detained on a probation violation, Abbey confessed to the killing. The state crime lab and the Montana Attorney General's office played key roles in securing the conviction.

  • In October 2024, Dustin Kjersem was killed at a remote campsite near Big Sky.
  • In November 2025, a jury convicted Daren Abbey of deliberate homicide and tampering with physical evidence.
  • On Tuesday, February 8, 2026, Judge Peter Ohman sentenced Daren Abbey to 100 years in prison with no chance of parole for 80 years.

The players

Daren Abbey

The man convicted of brutally murdering Dustin Kjersem at a remote campsite near Big Sky in 2024.

Dustin Kjersem

The victim who was killed at a remote campsite near Big Sky in 2024.

Dan Springer

The Gallatin County Sheriff who oversaw the investigation and praised the cooperation of multiple agencies in solving the case.

Jillian Price

The sister of Dustin Kjersem, who described him as a "loving, helpful, and adoring father who in no way deserved this."

Peter Ohman

The judge who sentenced Daren Abbey to 100 years in prison with no chance of parole for 80 years.

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What they’re saying

“Keeping him in prison for the rest of his life is the only option to protect others and to honor the life that he stole.”

— Kjersem's girlfriend (kpax.com)

“I don't think there is ever real justice that is served for a family that loses someone that they love. I don't think there is such thing as that. What we can do is make sure that this won't happen again to another family.”

— Dan Springer, Gallatin County Sheriff (kpax.com)

“This person is not going to get out of prison; this person deserves the rest of his life there, and that's where he deserves to be.”

— Dan Springer, Gallatin County Sheriff (kpax.com)

What’s next

The judge's decision to sentence Daren Abbey to 100 years in prison with no chance of parole for 80 years ensures that he will spend the rest of his life behind bars, providing a sense of justice and closure for Dustin Kjersem's family and the local community.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations, cooperation between law enforcement agencies, and the use of forensic evidence to bring justice to victims of violent crimes, even in remote and challenging locations. It also underscores the lasting impact that such tragedies can have on families and communities.