A devastating incident has shaken the serene trails of Devil’s Den State Park in Washington County, Arkansas, where a couple was brutally killed while hiking with their two young daughters on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) are actively investigating the deaths of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, as a double homicide, and a manhunt is underway for the suspect, who remains at large.
The Brinks, who had recently relocated to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from another state, were found dead on a walking trail within the park around 2:40 p.m. on Saturday. Their daughters, ages 7 and 9, were unharmed during the attack and are now safe in the custody of family members. Authorities have not disclosed whether the children witnessed the incident, respecting the family’s request for privacy during this profoundly difficult time.
The suspect is described as a white male of medium build, last seen wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, a dark ballcap, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves, possibly weightlifting-style. He was carrying a black backpack and was spotted driving a black four-door sedan, potentially a Mazda, with its license plate obscured by electrical or duct tape. The vehicle was seen heading toward a park exit and may have traveled along State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park.
Devil’s Den State Park, nestled in the Lee Creek Valley of the Ozark Mountains, is a remote and rugged area with thick vegetation and no cellphone service, which has complicated the investigation. The ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division is leading the effort, collaborating with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, which has offered support if needed. The victims’ bodies have been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death, which have not yet been released.
Authorities are urging anyone who visited the park on July 26 to review photos, videos, or GoPro footage for potential images of the suspect. Residents in the surrounding area are also asked to check security or game camera footage for anything suspicious. The ASP has provided a contact number, (479) 751-6663, for anyone with information about the suspect or their whereabouts.
In response to the tragedy, the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism has increased law enforcement presence across all state parks. “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 Arkansas State Police and various law enforcement officials as the investigation continues.” All hiking trails at Devil’s Den State Park are closed until further notice.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed her grief, stating, “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. 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.”
Colonel Mike Hagar of the ASP emphasized the agency’s commitment to the case: “We are using all available resources to apprehend this suspect and bring him to justice. This was a heinous crime, and we won’t stop until he’s found.” The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities pursuing all leads to ensure the perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice.
