A peaceful family hike turned into a nightmare over the weekend when a husband and wife were brutally murdered in a remote area of Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas, prompting an intense search for their killer.
Clinton Brink, 43, and Cristen Brink, 41, were found dead at approximately 2:40 p.m. Saturday on an isolated trail deep within the rugged terrain of the park. Their two young daughters, ages seven and nine, were with them during the hike but were unharmed. Authorities have since confirmed the couple’s deaths as a double homicide.
The Arkansas State Police described the area as “rugged, densely vegetated, and without cellphone service,” adding to the challenges of the investigation.
The motive remains unclear. Police say the Brinks had recently relocated to Arkansas from Montana and had no known ties to the area that might explain the attack.
Killer Still at Large
Investigators are urgently seeking a suspect described as a white male of medium build. He was last seen wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, a dark baseball cap, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves. He was carrying a black backpack.
Witnesses reported seeing the man leaving the area in a black four-door sedan—possibly a Mazda—with electrical or duct tape obscuring the license plate. He was believed to have driven toward State Route 170 or 220.
Frantic Search and Community Grief
In a statement, Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar said, “We are using all available resources to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice.”
Police are asking anyone who was at the park on Saturday to review their photos and videos for any sightings of the suspect. Authorities stressed that any visual evidence should be submitted directly to police and not shared on social media to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.
The trail where the murders occurred remains sealed off, and the park’s website now states that all trails are closed until further notice.
Outpouring of Support and Calls for Justice
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred at Devil’s Den State Park,” said Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “The safety of our visitors and staff is our highest priority.”
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders also issued a statement expressing heartbreak and solidarity with the family: “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.”
The Brink children are now in the care of relatives, as investigators continue to piece together the details of this senseless act of violence in one of the state’s most cherished natural areas.