Authorities in Arkansas are searching for the person responsible for the brutal killing of Clinton and Cristen Brink, a married couple who were murdered while hiking with their two young daughters at Devil’s Den State Park in Washington County.
The couple was reportedly attacked during a hike on a remote trail. Miraculously, their daughters—ages 7 and 9—were unharmed and are now in the care of family members.
Investigation Underway
The Arkansas State Police (ASP) have not yet released specific details about how the couple was killed or what, if anything, their children may have witnessed. However, investigators have shared limited information about a potential suspect and are urging the public’s help in identifying the individual.
Officials are asking visitors who were at the park on Saturday to review any cellphone, GoPro, or other camera footage for possible images of the suspect. They’ve specifically requested that any such material not be shared on social media, as it could compromise the investigation.
“Investigators urge anyone who visited the park on Saturday to check their photos or videos, and residents living near the park to review footage from home security or game cameras,” the ASP said in a statement. “Anyone with potential evidence should contact police directly rather than posting it publicly.”
The area has been described as extremely rugged, with no cellphone reception and dense vegetation—conditions that have complicated the investigation. Authorities believe the suspect may have been driving a Mazda with its license plate covered by electrical or duct tape, and it may have been seen traveling on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park.
Who Were the Victims?
Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink had recently moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from out of state. According to their social media profiles, the couple had previously lived in Montana and California. They were married in September 2014.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders Responds
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement on social media expressing sorrow over the killings and vowing justice for the victims.
“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,” she posted on X. “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.”
