Couple killed hiking in ‘random’ attack.

In a press conference on Thursday, authorities said they believed the attack to be “a completely random event.”

“I can confirm that we have absolutely no indication, no reason whatsoever to believe there was any connection at all between our suspect and our victims,” Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar said.

Washington County Prosecuting Attorney, Brandon Carter, praised the family’s actions.

“They absolutely protected those girls to their fullest extent, to the point that it cost them their lives,” Carter said, per CNN. “We’re in awe of this mum and dad. We’re also in awe of these girls.”

Investigators said the motive in the double murder remains a mystery. But Carter said there were “no indications that suggest the girls were his target.”

McGann has been charged with two counts of capital murder. Police said McGann admitted to the crime while in police custody. He is being held without bond and a jury will decide his fate.

In a brief statement to the ABC, Cristen and Clinton’s family asked for privacy “as they grieve and learn how to navigate this new reality”.

“Clinton and Cristen died heroes protecting their little girls, and they deserve justice. They will forever live in all of our hearts.”

Feature Image: Gofundme.