The Arkansas State Police say that a suspect, accused of killing two hikers Saturday at Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork, may have gotten injured.
In an earlier report by CrimeOnline, it was noted that Clinton David Brink, aged 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, aged 41, were on a hiking trip with their daughters, aged 7 and 9. According to Arkansas State Police, the young girls were unharmed physically and are currently with other family members.
Police responded to the area at around 2:40 p.m. Central, where they fund the victims’ bodies on a walking trail, The New York Times reports.
Investigators have not yet released details on how they were killed, but the case is being investigated as a double homicide.
Police announced on Monday that the attacker may have sustained injuries during the commission of these violent acts, although specifics regarding the nature or extent of the injuries were not disclosed.
Following the crime, it is believed that the suspect escaped in a black sedan with four doors, possibly a Mazda. The vehicle’s license plate was obscured with electrical or duct tape, and it might have headed toward State Highway 220 or State Highway 170.
On Tuesday, the authorities provided a photo and composite sketch depicting the suspect. The suspect was described as wearing a long-sleeved shirt with rolled-up sleeves, black trousers, a dark-colored baseball cap, and sunglasses. The suspect was also seen with a black backpack and fingerless gloves.
ASP is urging anyone who was in the area Saturday to check their photos and videos. Residents in the area are urged to check their security cameras.
What We Know About the Victims
ASP and Prairie Grove Mayor David Faulk mentioned that the family had recently relocated to the vicinity, with water service being installed at their new Prairie Grove home on July 16.
As reported by AP News, their previous residences included locations in inland California and Miles City, Montana. Clinton Brink was slated to begin work as a milk delivery driver for Prairie Farms Dairy on Monday in the Fayetteville region.
The pair reportedly married in 2014 and according to the Miles Community College website, Cristen Brink graduated from the 2022, earning an associate degree in nursing.
A Montana rehabilitation center nurse, Danikka Harrell, told AP that the couple lived in the state for years, and played on a recreational volleyball team.
The Brinks also took care of Harrell’s daughter when she couldn’t find childcare.
“They were selfless and unconditional with their love and support for their friends,” Harrell said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact ASP Troop L at 479-751-6663 or call 911.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Brink couple/Facebook; Suspect/ASP via AP]
