The suspect who brutally killed a couple while they hiked with their young daughters in an Arkansas state park may have been injured during his savage attack.
Clinton Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen, 41, were found dead at around 2.40pm on Saturday on a ‘remote and rural’ trail at Devil’s Den State Park.
The couple’s two daughters – ages seven and nine – were hiking with them at the time, but came away uninjured. The girls are now safe with family members.
On Tuesday, Arkansas State Police disclosed that the suspect – still unidentified and at large – is believed to have sustained injuries during the double homicide, according to a department news release.
‘Investigators said the suspect in the deaths likely sustained an injury while attacking the couple,’ the release states.
However, the statement did not specify the nature of the suspect’s injuries or explain how authorities reached that conclusion.
Police also released an image of a person of interest – seen from behind carrying a duffel bag on his back – whom they are trying to identify and question.
A composite sketch was also released, depicting a man wearing a baseball cap from a front-facing view.
Clinton Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen, 41, were found dead at around 2.40pm on Saturday on a ‘remote and rural’ trail at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas
On Tuesday, Arkansas State Police disclosed that the suspect – still unidentified and at large – is believed to have sustained injuries during the double homicide (pictured: released image of a person of interest)
Law enforcement responded to reports of a double homicide at Washington County’s Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday afternoon – an area described as having rugged terrain, dense vegetation and no cellphone service.
The couple, who had recently relocated to Prairie Grove from Montana, were found dead on the trail. They were hiking with their two daughters at the time of the attack – miraculously, the children were unharmed.
In a statement, the couple’s loved ones said they ‘died heroes, protecting their little girls,’ though they offered no additional details, according to the news release.
It is still unclear why the couple may have been attacked, as they had recently moved to the state, according to police.
‘The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult time as they grieve and learn how to navigate this new reality,’ the statement continued.
‘They ask that if anyone has any information at all that will help the investigation, to please contact the proper authorities immediately,’ it added. ‘They will forever live on in all of our hearts.’
The suspect has been described as a white male with a medium build, wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, a dark-colored baseball cap, sunglasses and fingerless gloves.
Following the murders, the man was seen driving toward a park exit in a black four-door sedan – possibly a Mazda – with duct or electrical tape covering the license plate.
On Tuesday, police also released a composite sketch, depicting a man wearing a baseball cap from a front-facing view (pictured)
The couple’s two daughters with whom they were hiking – ages seven and nine – were uninjured and are now safe with family members
As police continue to try to track down the suspect, they are now asking anyone who was at the state park on Saturday to check any photos and videos they took for images of the suspect (pictured: Brink couple)
It is believed he then traveled on State Route 170 or 220, which is near the park.
As police continue to try to track down the suspect, they are now asking anyone who was at the state park on Saturday to check any photos and videos they took for images of the suspect.
Authorities are also urging residents near the park to come forward if they have any security, GoPro or game camera footage that could assist the department.
Those photos should then be sent directly to the Arkansas State Police and should not be posted to social media, which authorities said could hinder the investigation.
Anyone with information about the suspect or their whereabouts is urged to contact Arkansas State Police Troop L at (479) 751-6663, Extension 2, or call 911.
Authorities say they have received numerous tips from the public and assure that any voicemails left will be returned as soon as possible.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities pursuing all leads in collaboration with local, state and federal law enforcement partners.
Devil’s Den State Park, located in West Fork, Arkansas, features 11 hiking trails that wind through the surrounding Ozark National Forest, according to the park’s website.
The area also offers dozens of campsites, an 8-acre lake and striking rock formations and caverns.