Crime House 24/7: Night Watch

Episode: “Dustin Kjersem: The Lie that Bought His Killer Time”

Host: Katie Ring
Release Date: January 14, 2026

Overview

In this in-depth Night Watch episode, host Katie Ring recounts the tragic and disturbing events surrounding the murder of Dustin Gjersem at a remote Montana campsite in October 2024. What began as a supposed bear attack quickly unraveled into a homicide investigation when evidence and forensic analysis contradicted the initial narrative. The episode explores Dustin’s life, the evidence trail, the suspect’s shifting stories, the trial, and the lingering questions surrounding motive and justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Who Was Dustin Gjersem?

• Background and Upbringing
  • Born in Bozeman, Montana, November 10, 1988.
  • Youngest of four, described as adventurous and beloved by family.
  • Overcame a challenging childhood, moving in with sister Jillian during teens.
  • Found purpose through Big Sky Youth Empowerment and a love of the outdoors.
• Fatherhood & Character
  • Became a self-employed construction contractor and a devoted father.
  • Family described him as a “loving, hands-on dad” and an “uncle who showed up and did the work.”
  • “He stepped into fatherhood with confidence, having already been the most helpful, caring, fun uncle.” (Katie Ring, 07:49)

2. The Night of the Crime: October 10–12, 2024

• Setting the Scene & Events
  • Dustin arrived early to set up a remote campsite near Moose Creek Road, planning a romantic weekend with his girlfriend.
  • Darren Christopher Abbey, 41, introduced himself as another camper. Dustin welcomed him; they shared beers and conversation outside the tent.
  • “Just casual conversation between strangers. Nothing seemed off. And at some point, Abbey ended up inside the tent with him that night.” (Katie Ring, 10:19)
• Discovery of the Crime
  • When Dustin did not arrive to pick up his girlfriend, she and a friend drove to the campsite and found him dead inside the tent.
  • Severe injuries led them to believe it was a bear attack and the 911 call reflected this assumption.

3. Turning Point: Bear Attack Dismantled

• Wildlife Investigation
  • Wildlife officers found no tracks, fur, or evidence consistent with a bear attack.
  • “And inside the tent, the wounds also told a completely different story. There were no claw marks, no bite wounds, and no tearing... investigators ruled out a bear entirely.” (Katie Ring, 13:55)
• Evidence in the Tent
  • Beer cans and shot glasses collected for DNA analysis.
  • DNA linked the scene to Darren Abbey and his incarcerated twin brother, ruling out the brother’s involvement.

4. Suspect Profile & Arrest

• Darren Christopher Abbey
  • Recently moved from California, construction background, felony hate crime and DUI convictions.
  • Located by police on a probation violation and brought in for questioning.
• Abbey’s Shifting Story
  • Confessed to killing Dustin but claimed self-defense.
  • Changed his account multiple times—variations included being threatened, attacked, shown a gun, and fearing for his dog.
  • “He changed the details of the fight. He changed the details of the sequence of events... But one detail did stay the same. Every time, he washed the ax and screwdriver in the creek.” (Katie Ring, 15:20)

5. Crime Reconstruction & Evidence

• Sequence of the Killing
  • Abbey struck Dustin with firewood, stabbed with a screwdriver, and used both the blunt and then the blade of an ax.
  • Theft of Dustin’s belongings before fleeing.
  • Abbey had no defensive injuries, counter to his self-defense claims.
• Covering Tracks
  • “His behavior, detectives said, didn’t resemble someone acting out of fear. It resembled someone trying to cover their tracks.” (Katie Ring, 16:29)

6. Trial and Aftermath

• Legal Proceedings
  • Abbey charged with deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence; declared not guilty in court and maintained self-defense.
  • Trial detailed - prosecution dismantled bear attack theory, presented DNA and forensic evidence.
  • Defense highlighted darkness and alcohol, but could not explain Abbey’s lack of injuries or evidence tampering.
  • Verdict: “On November 10, 2025, which would have been Dustin’s 37th birthday, they delivered their verdict. Darren Christopher Abbey was found guilty of deliberate homicide and guilty of tampering with evidence.” (Katie Ring, 17:45)
  • Abbey sentenced December 30th, 2025. Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty.
  • Motive for killing remains unknown.

7. Affiliation & Ideology

• Upon intake, Abbey declared affiliation with “white supremacist - General” and listed Odinism as religion, with tattoos tied to Nazi imagery. Both men were white, so no clear hate crime motive established.

8. Impact and Unanswered Questions

• Verdict brought some closure but not full understanding.
• “A frustrating loose end that Dustin’s family will have to live with forever.” (Katie Ring, 18:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Dustin’s Nature

  “He would tell you that in December of 2014, he earned the most gratifying title of his life. Dad.” —Katie Ring, 07:33

• Initial Shock and Mistaken Assumption

  “In that first shock moment, it didn’t seem like a person was capable of causing severe injuries like these. So when she called 911, she reported it as a bear attack…” —Katie Ring, 11:54

• Becoming Clear It Was a Homicide

  “Inside the tent, the wounds also told a completely different story… Soon after arriving on the scene, investigators ruled out a bear entirely. And suddenly, the entire investigation was flipped on its head.” —Katie Ring, 13:55

• On Abbey’s Defense

  “He changed the details of the fight. He changed the details of the sequence of events… But one detail did stay the same. Every time, he washed the ax and screwdriver in the creek.” —Katie Ring, 15:20

• Final Reflection

  “Dustin planned a quiet weekend in one of his favorite places. He shared a beer with a stranger, and that stranger took everything from him. For his loved ones, the verdict doesn’t erase the loss, but it does confirm the truth and brings at least a measure of justice.” —Katie Ring, 18:26

Key Timestamps

• 00:46 – Katie Ring introduction & overview of Dustin’s plans and background
• 07:33 – Family’s account of Dustin’s love for fatherhood
• 10:19 – Arrival of Darren Abbey at Dustin’s campsite, the initial friendly encounter
• 11:54 – Discovery of Dustin’s body, mistaken bear attack report
• 13:55 – Police and wildlife quickly determining killing was homicide, not animal attack
• 15:20 – Abbey’s confessions, contradictory stories, and forensic findings
• 16:29 – Discussion of Abbey’s efforts to cover up the crime
• 17:45 – Jury verdict and outcome of the trial
• 18:15 – Unanswered motive and family’s loss
• 18:26 – Final reflection and episode close

Summary

This episode of Crime House 24/7's “Night Watch” provides a comprehensive narrative of the Dustin Gjersem case—from the coincidence of a friendly beer by the fire, to a senseless killing, a devious coverup, and a trial that delivered justice but no answers for why Dustin was targeted. Katie Ring’s measured, respectful storytelling elevates the humanity of the victim and the relentless work to see the crime for what it was, despite Abbey’s ever-changing story. The story is a poignant reminder of how quickly violence can shatter ordinary plans and how, even when justice is served, some questions are destined to linger.