WEST FORK, Ark. (AP) — Authorities in Arkansas were on the hunt Sunday for a suspect linked to the deaths of a couple who were reportedly attacked while walking on a trail with their two young daughters.
Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were discovered deceased on Saturday at Devil’s Den State Park in Washington County, with the case being treated as a homicide, according to Arkansas State Police.
Their daughters, who are 7 and 9, were not hurt and are being cared for by family members.
The suspect is described as a white male, dressed in dark shorts, a dark cap, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves. Witnesses observed him driving towards a park exit in a black, four-door sedan, with the license plate partially obscured by tape.
The car, possibly a Mazda, may have been traveling on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park in a rural, wooded area with limited cellphone service, police said.
Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said that rangers had stepped up patrols at Devil’s Den.
“Our hearts are with the victims’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Lewis said in a statement Sunday. “The safety of our visitors and staff is our highest priority, and we are working closely with Arkansas State Police and various law enforcement officials as the investigation continues.”
Investigators asked for potential witnesses to review their photos and videos from the park south of Fayetteville. There was no information about a possible motive.
Officials said the victims had recently moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from another state. Their bodies were taken to the state crime lab, where the manner and cause of death will be determined.
