Montana man killed in homicide, not bear attack: Police

( NewsNation ) — A Montana man’s death first reported as a bear attack is now being investigated as a homicide.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release on Tuesday that no signs of a bear were present upon inspection of the scene.

Dustin Mitchell Kjersem, 35, of Belgrade, Montana was found dead along Moose Creek Road, north of Big Sky.

On Oct. 12, Kjersem’s body was found inside a tent by a passerby who suggested a bear may have caused his death.

During a news conference Wednesday, Sheriff Dan Springer said the autopsy revealed Kjersem had “multiple chop wounds,” including into his skull.

Authorities have not yet named or arrested a suspect concerning the case.

“Evidence gathered through an autopsy further indicated that this was a homicide,” the release said. “ This incident was a vicious attack, and detectives are working hard to develop and track down leads. “

Those with game or trail cameras in the area are asked to contact investigators at 406-582-2121 or detectives@gallatin.mt.gov.

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