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A couple who was killed at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, was hiking with their two daughters when they were attacked. The girls, who are 7 and 9, were not injured and are safe with family members.
The victims have been identified as Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, who recently moved to Prairie Grove from another state.
At about 2:40 p.m., Arkansas State Police (ASP) was notified of a double homicide at the park, located in Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Brink were found dead on a walking trail. ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is handing the suspected homicide.
Investigators are asking those who visited the park on Saturday to check cellphone photos and videos or GoPro camera footage for images of the suspect. They are also asking residents of the area surrounding the park to notify ASP if they have access to security and game camera footage.The area of the park where the incident occurred remains cordoned off and secured by law enforcement. The park is located in a remote and rural area, where the terrain is rugged, vegetation is thick and there is no cellphone service.
On Sunday, July 27, 2025, ASP issued an updated description of the suspect. After receiving additional information, investigators now believe he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, with sleeves rolled up, rather than a tank top as originally reported. The suspect is an unknown white male with a medium build. He was wearing dark pants, a dark ballcap and sunglasses. The suspect had a black backpack and was wearing fingerless gloves. He was seen driving toward a park exit in a black, four-door sedan.
The suspect’s vehicle may be a Mazda with a license plate covered by electrical or duct tape. It may have been traveling on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park.
Anyone with images of the suspect, information about the suspect or his whereabouts should contact ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663. Investigators urge anyone with photos or video to not post footage on social media, as this may inadvertently jeopardize the investigation.
Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, issued a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred at Devil’s Den State Park. 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.
We have increased law enforcement presence in our state parks. Our Park Rangers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers, and they are actively engaged in ensuring the safety and security of our park guests. We remain committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and to maintaining Arkansas State Parks as safe, welcoming places for all.”
The investigation is ongoing, and ASP is pursuing all leads to apprehend the suspect. ASP is collaborating with all local, state and federal law enforcement partners. “I want to thank the public and our media partners for their support as we pursue the man responsible for this heinous crime,” said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. “We are using all available resources to apprehend this suspect and bring him to justice.”
