An afternoon hike turned into a crime scene Saturday when a man and woman were found dead on a walking trail in Devil’s Den State Park, prompting a large-scale homicide investigation and a manhunt for an unidentified suspect.
Arkansas State Police said officers were called to the Washington County park at about 2:40 p.m. on July 26 after receiving a report of two bodies discovered along a trail. The victims — a 43-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman — were pronounced dead at the scene.
Their bodies were transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the cause and manner of death.
The agency’s Criminal Investigation Division is treating the case as a double homicide. Investigators stated that the suspect is a white male who was wearing dark shorts, a dark tank top, and weightlifting-style gloves. He was seen driving a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with its license plate covered in duct or electrical tape.
The vehicle was reportedly seen heading toward a park exit and may have been traveling along Arkansas Highway 170 or Highway 220, near the park, shortly after the killings.
A large law enforcement presence remains in the area. The investigation is ongoing, and police said they are pursuing all leads.
Anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts is urged to contact Arkansas State Police Troop L at (479) 751-6663.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders released a statement on Saturday evening.
“We are heartbroken by today’s horrific news from Devil’s Den State Park and are in close contact with State Police and the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism as they work to apprehend the suspect,” Gov. Sanders said. “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.”
No arrests had been made as of Sunday morning.
Image of Devil’s Den State Park via ArkansasStateParks.com
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