NEED TO KNOW
- A couple was killed while hiking with their two daughters at a state park in Arkansas
- Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, died at Devil’s Den State Park on July 26
- Authorities are now asking the public for help finding the suspect, who remains at large
A couple was killed while hiking with their two daughters at a state park in Arkansas — and local authorities are now asking the public for help finding the suspect, who remains at large.
Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, died while they were in Devil’s Den State Park with their daughters, ages 7 and 9, on Saturday, July 26, according to a press release from Arkansas State Police (ASP).
Police were notified of the double homicide at around 2:40 p.m. local time, and they arrived at the Washington County park soon after.
The couple was found dead on a walking trail. Their daughters were not injured and are safe with other family members, according to ASP.
Police said the family had recently moved to Prairie Grove, Ark. — located about 15 miles from the Oklahoma border — from another state.
On Sunday, July 27, ASP announced that authorities had an updated description of the suspect in the case — a White male with a medium build who was wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, a dark hat and sunglasses.
The suspect, who police added was carrying a black backpack and was wearing fingerless gloves, was seen “driving toward a park exit in a black, four-door sedan,” possibly a Mazda, with a license plate covered by electrical or duct tape.
Authorities said the alleged may have potentially traveled on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park where the killings took place.
“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,” police said in their release. “They are also asking residents of the area surrounding the park to notify ASP if they have access to security and game camera footage.”
Authorities asked anyone with footage to not share it on social media, as “this may inadvertently jeopardize the investigation.”
The area of the park where the killings took place is described by ASP as “a remote and rural area, where the terrain is rugged, vegetation is thick and there is no cellphone service.”
It has since been closed to the public as the investigation remains ongoing.
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Shea Lewis, the Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said in a statement that state parks would have an increased police presence in the coming days.
“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,” Lewis said, in part.
“Our Park Rangers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers, and they are actively engaged in ensuring the safety and security of our park guests,” added Lewis. “We remain committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and to maintaining Arkansas State Parks as safe, welcoming places for all.”
Anyone with images of the suspect or any information tied to the case is being asked to contact ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663.
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