A man and a woman, recently relocated to northwest Arkansas, were tragically killed while hiking in Devil’s Den State Park with their two young daughters, authorities reported on Sunday. The victims have been identified as Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, by the Arkansas State Police. This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the local community.
The Brinks had recently moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from out of state. According to their Facebook profiles, verified by NBC News, they previously resided in inland California and eastern Montana, with public records indicating their last known address in Miles City, Montana. Their sudden relocation has left many in their new community in disbelief over the violent circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Authorities were alerted to the double homicide in Devil’s Den State Park shortly before 3 p.m. on Saturday. The park is situated approximately 12 miles east of Prairie Grove and around 25 miles south of Fayetteville. In response to this tragic event, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed her sorrow on social media, stating, “We are heartbroken by today’s horrific news from Devil’s Den State Park.” She reassured the public that law enforcement is committed to apprehending the suspect responsible for this crime.
The couple's daughters, aged 7 and 9, were present during the incident but thankfully were not harmed. They are currently in the custody of family members. Authorities have not confirmed whether the children witnessed the tragic events unfold, which adds another layer of complexity and concern for the family.
A manhunt is actively being conducted by the Arkansas State Police to locate the suspect. Descriptions reveal that the alleged killer is a man with a medium build, wearing a dark long-sleeved shirt with rolled-up sleeves, dark pants, a dark baseball cap, and fingerless gloves. Witnesses reported seeing him driving a black sedan, possibly a Mazda, with tape covering its license plate as he exited the park.
Investigators are currently focusing on areas near State Highway 170 and State Highway 220, as they believe the suspect may have fled on these routes. However, no information about the weapon used or the motive behind the double homicide has been disclosed at this time. The Arkansas State Crime Lab is expected to provide further details regarding the causes of death.
Detectives are urging anyone who visited the park on Saturday and may have collected cellphone or GoPro-style footage to come forward, as this could be crucial in solving the case. As part of the investigation, the area where the homicides occurred has been cordoned off, with all trails in Devil's Den currently closed to the public.
The news of the double homicide has deeply affected the local community. A spokesperson for Arkansas State Parks confirmed that all trails at Devil’s Den would remain off-limits until further notice. Just last month, a dedication ceremony took place for a newly renovated campground at the park, which is known as a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
As this investigation continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for swift justice for Clinton and Cristen Brink, whose lives were cut tragically short.
