Couple Killed in Arkansas 'Died Heroes Protecting Their 2 Young Daughters,' Family Says
A couple who was killed while hiking with their two daughters died "protecting their little girls," the family says
The family released its statement, asking for privacy as they grieve
Arkansas State Police are still searching for the suspect who allegedly attacked the family while hiking on SaturdayAs Arkansas police hunt for the man who killed a married couple on a hike with their two young daughters on Saturday, the couple's family is speaking out.
Arkansas State Police announced on Sunday that Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were attacked and killed the day before while on a hike through Devil's Den State Park with their two daughters, aged 7 and 9, who were later found safe.
The Brink family provided a statement to local KHBS-TV, saying that the parents died while 'protecting their little girls' from the attacker, whom police are still searching for as of Monday.
"The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult time as they grieve and learn how to navigate this new reality,' the statement said. 'They ask that if anyone has any information at all that will help in the investigation to please contact the proper authorities immediately. Clinton and Cristen died heroes protecting their little girls and they deserve justice. They will forever live in all of our hearts."
Arkansas State Police announced Sunday that investigators believe the attacker was a White man with a medium build who was wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, a dark hat and sunglasses.
Authorities also announced that they believe the suspect was carrying a black backpack and was wearing fingerless gloves. Investigators added that the suspect was seen "driving toward a park exit in a black, four-door sedan," possibly a Mazda, with a license plate covered by electrical or duct tape, and that he may have traveled on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the state park on Saturday.
"Investigators are asking those who visited the park on Saturday to check cellphone photos and videos or GoPro camera footage for images of the suspect," police said in their release. "They are also asking residents of the area surrounding the park to notify ASP if they have access to security and game camera footage."
Authorities asked anyone with footage to not share it on social media, as "this may inadvertently jeopardize the investigation."
The area of the park where the killings took place is described by ASP as "a remote and rural area, where the terrain is rugged, vegetation is thick and there is no cellphone service."
It has since been closed to the public as the investigation remains ongoing. Investigators have also not revealed a potential motive for the attack, as the search for the alleged suspect continues.
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Shea Lewis, the Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said in a statement that state parks would have an increased police presence in the coming days, PEOPLE previously reported.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred at Devil's Den State Park,' Lewis said. 'Our hearts are with the victims' loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.'
Anyone with images of the suspect or any information tied to the case is being asked to contact ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663.
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CBS News
4 hours ago
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Suspect in Devil's Den double homicide may have been injured in attack, police say
The Arkansas State Police said they believe the suspect in the murder of a couple hiking with their daughters at Devil's Den State Park was injured while attacking the pair. Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were hiking with their young daughters when they were attacked, the ASP said. The couple were found dead on a walking trail, police said. The family had recently moved to the area from another state, the ASP said. Their daughters, aged 7 and 9, are being cared for by family. Police said in a news release they believe the suspect "likely sustained an injury while attacking the couple," but did not say how the suspect may have been injured or what led them to believe that was the case. Family members said in a statement that the Brinks "died heroes, protecting their little girls," but did not elaborate. The suspect was described as wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants and a black baseball cap, the ASP said. He is a White male with a medium build. The man was described as wearing sunglasses and fingerless gloves, and carrying a black backpack. The suspect was seen driving toward the park in a black four-door sedan, police said. The vehicle may be a Mazda with a covered license plate, police said. Police also shared a composite sketch of a man whom they said they are looking to identify so they can question him. The man was seen in the park on Saturday, police said. The sketch shows him with a loose-necked shirt and a dark hat. The ASP asked that anyone who visited the park on Saturday check any photos or videos they may have taken for images of the suspect. Residents who live in the area have been asked to notify police if they have access to security or game camera footage. Police said they have received "numerous calls" with possible tips. Devil's Den State Park is in West Fork, Arkansas. The park contains 11 hiking trails that lead into the surrounding Ozark National Forest, according to its website. The park is also home to dozens of campsites, an 8-acre lake and rock formations and caverns.
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