WEST FORK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The couple killed at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday had just recently moved to the area, Prairie Grove Mayor David Falk said.
Falk said in a statement to NewsNation local affiliate KNWA/FOX24 on Monday that Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, recently moved to the area, and their water service was turned on in Prairie Grove on July 16.
NBC News reported that the couple lived in inland California and eastern Montana. Public records place them in Miles City, Montana.
“Our prayers go out to their surviving family members,” Falk said in the statement. “We hope the family is provided with justice and closure for this terrible tragedy.”
Hiland Dairy confirmed to the Associated Press that Clinton Brink had transferred from its parent company, Prairie Farms Dairy, from South Dakota, and was scheduled to start his job as a driver delivering milk in the Fayetteville area on Monday
Arkansas State Police say the couple was killed while hiking with their two daughters at the park on Saturday afternoon. Their children, ages 9 and 7, were found physically unharmed, according to authorities.
“Clinton and Cristen died heroes protecting their little girls, and they deserve justice,” the Brink family said in a statement provided to ABC News. “They will forever live in all of our hearts.”
ASP described the suspect as a white male of medium build.
The man was last seen wearing dark pants, a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a dark ballcap, sunglasses, fingerless gloves, and carrying a black backpack.
He was reportedly driving a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with the license plate obscured by electrical or duct tape. The vehicle was seen heading toward a park exit and may have traveled on State Highways 170 or 220.
Officials said that anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts should call ASP Troop L at 479-751-6663.