Montana Archives

Explosion and Blaze at Weyerhaeuser Plant in Montana Sparks Emergency Response, No Injuries Reported

Columbia Falls, MT — An explosion followed by a fire occurred at the Weyerhaeuser Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) manufacturing facility in Columbia Falls on Wednesday, causing an immediate and concerted response from local fire departments. The incident fortunately resulted in no injuries, authorities confirmed. Responders from Columbia Falls as well as several other departments throughout Flathead Valley were dispatched to manage the blaze at the large industrial plant. Their quick reaction helped to prevent any …

Decades Later, The Cold Case of Montana Teenager Finally Cracks Open: A Family’s Quest for Truth Brings Startling Closure

BOZEMAN, Mont. — On a serene September evening in 1996, the quiet of the Montana wilderness was shattered by a chilling discovery that set off a near three-decade quest for truth and justice. Fifteen-year-old Danielle “Danni” Houchins, a young enthusiast of the great outdoors, was found deceased in a remote area along the Gallatin River, sparking waves of shock and mystery that would ripple through her community. The initial investigation was enigmatic and hindered by …

White Supremacist Pleads Not Guilty to Murder in Montana Tent Killing, Claims Self-Defense Amid Conflicting Evidence

BOZEMAN, Mont. — In a case initially mistaken for a wild animal attack, a Montana man with ties to white supremacist groups has staunchly maintained his innocence against accusations of deliberate homicide, asserting that self-defense led to a deadly altercation in a remote camping area. Daren Christopher Abbey, 41, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court before Judge Peter Ohman this week, spotlighting a complex narrative of survival and violence. Abbey’s legal defense …

Chilling Confession Reveals Deadly Outcome After Dispute Over Beer and Dog at Montana Camping Site

BIG SKY, Mont. — A casual camping trip took a grim turn in the forests near Big Sky, Montana, culminating in the death of 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem, an avid outdoorsman and father. Daren Christopher Abbey, a 41-year-old man from Montana, now faces charges of deliberate homicide following a chilling confession to authorities about events leading to a deadly confrontation. According to court documents, Abbey told investigators a seemingly minor incident involving his dog jumping onto …

Suspect in Custody for the Brutal Murder of Montana Camper; Investigation Focuses on Stolen Weapons and Missing Equipment

BIG SKY, Mont. — A gruesome discovery of a man slain at a remote campground has led to an arrest, shaking the quiet outdoor community here. The body of Dustin Kjersem, 35, was found by a friend who grew worried after Kjersem didn’t show up to a planned meeting at Moose Creek campground on October 11. Initially suspected to be a bear attack, the death was ruled a homicide following an autopsy that revealed multiple …

Montana Campsite Tragedy: Authorities Hunt for Missing Weapons in Unsolved Homicide of Local Father and Outdoorsman

Belgrade, Mont. – More than two weeks have elapsed since the brutal slaying of Montana resident Dustin Kjersem at a remote campsite, with local authorities intensifying their appeal to the public for clues that might lead to the killer. The 35-year-old was discovered deceased in his tent under suspicious circumstances that were initially mistaken for a wildlife attack. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, which pronounced the incident a homicide shortly after, has yet to make …

Man Killed by Montana Sheriff’s Deputies After Ramming Car Into Cruiser Following Pursuit

Malta, Montana – Authorities in Phillips County, Montana, were involved in a fatal altercation Sunday evening when a suspect rammed his car into a sheriff’s deputy cruiser. The man, who was later killed by deputies, was believed to be connected to a shooting incident in the small town of Saco, located west of Malta on Highway 2. Phillips County Sheriff Jerry Lytle revealed in a press release on Monday that the deputies responded to reports …

Montana Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Woman Facing Multiple Felony Animal Cruelty Charges

BUTTE, Mont. — A bench warrant without bond has been issued for Veronica Lasell, who is facing eight felony animal cruelty charges. Lasell was supposed to appear for her arraignment before Silver Bow District Court Judge Robert Whelan but failed to show up, despite court records indicating she bonded out of jail the day prior. This marks the second arraignment she has missed. The previous time, a bench warrant was executed on Dec. 24, 2023, …