Bozeman, MT – The man accused of murdering Dustin Kjersem near Big Sky in October 2024 pleaded not guilty to all charges during a court appearance on Tuesday, November 26. Daren Abbey, 41, faces charges of deliberate homicide and two counts of tampering with evidence in connection with Kjersem’s death at a campsite in the Moose Creek area.
At the Gallatin County District Court hearing, Abbey maintained that he acted in self-defense during the fatal incident. His legal team argued that the circumstances surrounding Kjersem’s death were not as straightforward as prosecutors suggest, but Abbey’s statement in court was brief, with no further details provided about his version of the events.
Abbey, who has been in jail since his arrest, is being held on a $1.5 million bail. His next court hearing is scheduled for February 18, 2025. If convicted, he faces significant prison time for the deliberate homicide charge, which carries a potential life sentence.
The case has drawn attention due to the brutal nature of the killing and the remote location of the campsite, which has raised questions about what led to the confrontation between Abbey and Kjersem. As the investigation continues, more details about the circumstances leading up to the killing are expected to emerge.
The community remains on edge as the legal process unfolds, with many eager to see how the case will progress in the coming months. Abbey’s trial will likely be a focal point for both local residents and law enforcement officials in the area.
For now, Abbey’s legal team is preparing for a defense that hinges on the claim of self-defense, while prosecutors are expected to build a case aimed at proving intentional homicide.
