Detective Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of Montana Dad in Court
Daren Christopher Abbey, the 41-year-old suspect in the murder of 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem, has pleaded not guilty in the Montana court. According to sources, Abbey claimed self-defense in his confession to police, which was confirmed by the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office and the suspect’s defense team.
The crime took place in October when Kjersem was found bludgeoned in his tent near Big Sky, Montana. Abbey, who was charged with deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence, allegedly made the claim to police that he killed Kjersem in self-defense after Kjersem had offered him a beer.
During the court hearing on Tuesday, Abbey attempted to speak on the self-defense claim, but was cut off by his counsel. His defense team did not provide further information on what he tried to say.
Abbey’s case has sparked controversy due to his previous confession and the lack of defensive injuries on Kjersem’s body, which do not support the claim of self-defense. The Gallatin County Attorney’s Office has announced that they will not pursue the death penalty.
Kjersem, the victim, was described by his family as a caring person who was loved by many. His sister, Jillian Price, expressed her gratitude to law enforcement for solving the case, saying “I will probably never be able to express the amount of gratitude I have for all the people who worked tirelessly on this case.”
The investigation into Kjersem’s murder is ongoing, with Abbey’s next bond hearing scheduled for a later date.