A weekend hiking trip turned into a scene of unimaginable horror when an Arkansas couple was brutally murdered in front of their two young daughters while exploring a remote trail in Devil’s Den State Park.
Couple slain on hiking trail
Clinton Brink, 43, and his wife Cristen, 41, were discovered dead around 2:40 p.m. on Saturday in a secluded and heavily wooded section of the park, located in northwest Arkansas.
State police have since classified the incident as a double homicide.
“The terrain is rugged, vegetation is thick and there is no cellphone service,” Arkansas State Police noted, describing the isolated location where the victims were found.
The couple’s bodies are now in the custody of the Arkansas State Crime Lab for autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Miraculously, the Brinks’ two daughters, ages seven and nine, were unharmed in the attack and are now in the care of relatives.
The motive behind the killings remains a mystery, and investigators are working to determine why the family was targeted. The Brinks had only recently relocated to Arkansas, police said.
“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.
“Our hearts are with the victims’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The safety of our visitors and staff is our highest priority and we are working closely with the Arkansas State Police and various law enforcement officials as the investigation continues.”
Suspect potentially seen fleeing Devil’s Den State Park
Investigators have taped off the hiking trail where the Brinks were found, and a manhunt is underway for the suspect, who authorities say may have fled the area in a black four-door sedan with its license plate obscured by duct or electrical tape.
According to police, the man was last seen heading toward a park exit and may have used State Route 170 or 220 to leave the area.
Police described the person of interest as a white male of medium build wearing a dark long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, a baseball cap, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves. He was also said to be carrying a black backpack at the time.
On Monday evening, Arkansas State Police released a composite sketch of the man, referring to him as a “person of interest” seen in the park on the day of the murders. The sketch shows a man in a baseball cap.
Authorities also indicated the suspect may have injured himself during the attack, although specific details were not immediately released.
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In a statement issued Monday, the Brinks’ family called for privacy as they mourn the loss of the couple.
“Clinton and Cristen died heroes, protecting their little girls and they deserve justice,” the statement read. “They will forever live on in all of our hearts.”
The family had only recently settled in Prairie Grove, a small town in northwest Arkansas.
Mayor David Faulk said the Brinks had moved from South Dakota and had just had their water service connected less than two weeks earlier.
Clinton was preparing to start a new job with Hiland Dairy as a milk delivery driver in nearby Fayetteville.
Devil’s Den State Park visitors urged to review footage
Authorities are urging anyone who visited Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday to review any photographs or videos taken that day for potential clues.
In particular, they are asking the public to look for images that may include the person of interest.
Residents in the surrounding area have also been asked to check any surveillance or game cameras for suspicious activity.
Jessica Franklin, a spokesperson for the FBI, confirmed that federal agents are now assisting in the investigation by providing additional personnel and specialized resources.
On Tuesday, state police released a second image showing the person of interest photographed from behind.
In this image, the man appears to be wearing a dark long-sleeved shirt with a blue decal, a hat, and is again seen carrying a black backpack.
Police said they have received “numerous calls” with potential leads since making the suspect’s image public.
Investigators are continuing to pursue all available information as they attempt to piece together the circumstances of the killings and identify the person responsible.
