HEARTBREAKING audio of police finding the bodies of two parents who were hiking with their young daughters has been released.
The case has captured nationwide interest as authorities hunt for a murderer following a double homicide in broad daylight, with the victims’ young children present.
Clinton Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen Brink, 41, were both fatally shot on a well-known hiking trail in Arkansas’s Devil’s Den State Park this weekend, while their two daughters, ages 7 and 9, managed to escape unharmed.
The girls are now in the care of relatives, according to police.
“Clinton and Cristen died heroes protecting their little girls,” said the Brink family in a statement.
“They will forever live in all of our hearts.”
The area was described as having thick vegetation with “rugged” terrain.
It is also said to have “no cellphone service,” according to the Arkansas State Police.
Authorities believe that the murderer was likely injured during the attack.
A frightening sketch of a “person of interest” was released by police, showing a white male with a black hat on.
A photo was also released of a man’s back in the wooded area.
Cops said that he was wearing dark pants, a dark baseball hat and sunglasses with fingerless gloves and a backpack on.
He was described as a “white male with a medium build.”
The scanner audio from the discovery has now been released, painting a dark picture of the gruesome scene officers walked into.
“Hear yells calling for help. We’re hiking down,” said one officer on the scanner.
“Trying to relay to the office that we found the victims down here,” said another.
Police search for answers in Arkansas murders
Authorities are looking for help in the double-murder investigation. Here is what they are asking of the public:
- Those who were at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday, July 26: Police are asking visitors to review video footage and images they may have taken at the park and if they include the person of interest or vehicle.
- Residents in the surrounding areas: Officials are also asking for people to check their security or game camera footage to see if the person of interest or his vehicle also make an appearance
- In general: Police are advising everyone to not post evidence online. They are looking for evidence to be submitted to the agency in its original format.
“ASP thanks the public for their assistance and urges anyone with any information — no matter how minor — to come forward immediately.”
Source: ASP
“They’re on the lower Devil’s Den Trail. I’ve got two… two bodies down here.”
The police describe the suspect’s car as a possible Mazda with tape covering its license plates.
Officials are still trying to figure out a motive as the couple had just moved to Arkansas recently.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the Arkansas governor, said that she was “heartbroken” over the news.
“We are praying for the family and friends of the victims, and know that law enforcement will not rest until the perpetrator is brought to justice.”
Police audio also confirmed that a visitor center called authorities, and that “two children are there,” according to Broadcastify.com and from CNN.
“They advised that their parents were assaulted.”
“One was possibly stabbed,” the audio said.
“The parents are missing.”
Anyone who has information should contact police officers if they have any camera footage around the area.
“Do not post evidence online: Instead, preserve the original files and submit information to [Arkansas State Police],” police said.
The park closed trails, and it is unclear how long it was until police discovered their bodies.
Authorities earlier urged Saturday’s park visitors, alongside those living close by, to review photos and videos for evidence of the suspect.
