100-Year Sentence Handed Down In Montana Murder Case

A long and painful chapter in a tragic Montana case took a major step forward, as a judge handed down a sentence in the killing of Belgrade man Dustin Kjersem.

Kjersem left his home on October 10, 2024, heading out for a familiar camping spot along Moose Creek near Highway 191 between Bozeman and Big Sky. He planned to enjoy the weekend outdoors and meet up with his girlfriend the following day. That meeting never happened. On Saturday morning, October 12, his girlfriend found him dead inside his tent. What first appeared to be a possible wildlife attack quickly turned into something far more disturbing. Investigators later determined Kjersem had been brutally murdered.

A judge has sentenced Darren Christopher Abbey for the 2024 killing of Dustin Kjersem. Judge Peter Ohman sentenced Abbey to 100 years in Montana State Prison for deliberate homicide. He also received 10 years for each count of tampering with evidence. He will be eligible for parole after serving 80 years.

The sentencing came after about an hour and a half of emotional statements from Kjersem’s family and loved ones. Abbey did not testify during the trial but asked for forgiveness during sentencing. He also said he plans to appeal.

Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell issued the following statement: