Police Authorities in Arkansas are searching for a suspect after a couple was brutally attacked and killed while hiking with their two young daughters in Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday.
According to a statement from the Arkansas State Police, Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were discovered dead on a walking trail inside the park. Although officials have not revealed the exact cause of death, the incident is being investigated as a double homicide.
The couple’s two daughters, ages 7 and 9, were unharmed in the incident and are now safe and in the care of family members, police confirmed.
The Brinks had recently moved to Prairie Grove, a small town in northwest Arkansas near the Oklahoma border, after relocating from out of state.
The fatal attack occurred in a particularly remote section of Devil’s Den, known for its rugged terrain, dense vegetation, and lack of cellphone reception, making communication and access difficult in emergencies.
Police were alerted to the deaths around 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, and the investigation was quickly launched.
Suspect Description
At the time of the incident, he was reportedly wearing:
A long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up
Dark-colored pants
A dark ballcap
Sunglasses
Fingerless gloves or weightlifting-style gloves
A black backpack
He was last seen driving a black, four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with the license plate obscured by what appeared to be duct or electrical tape. The vehicle was spotted heading toward a park exit and may have traveled along State Highway 170 or State Highway 220, near the park’s perimeter.
Public Assistance and Warnings
State Police are asking park visitors who were present on Saturday, July 26, to review any photos or videos they may have taken for possible sightings of the suspect. Residents living near the park have also been urged to check home security systems, game cameras, or any surveillance footage that could provide valuable leads.
Authorities strongly advised against sharing any potential evidence, including videos or images, on social media, warning that doing so could compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Official Reactions and Park Response
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the double murder “horrific”, adding that the state is “in close contact with the Arkansas State Police and the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism” to support the search for the killer and ensure public safety.
In response to the tragedy, Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, announced an increased law enforcement presence across all state parks to reassure visitors and prevent further incidents.
About Devil’s Den
Devil’s Den State Park, located approximately 30 miles south of Fayetteville near the town of West Fork, is nestled in the Ozark Mountains. The park is a popular destination known for its scenic hiking trails, caves, and dense woodlands, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from across the region.
As the search for the suspect intensifies, Arkansas State Police are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting State Police Troop L at (479) 751-6663.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.