Devil's Den Murders: Announcement Set for 9:30 PM

Update on the Devil’s Den Killings

Law enforcement officials are set to provide an update on the tragic events that occurred at Devil’s Den State Park during a news conference scheduled for 9:30 p.m. The event will be streamed live, allowing the public to follow the developments in real-time. Arkansas State Police and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders are expected to attend the press conference, offering insights into the ongoing investigation.

Tragic Incident at Devil’s Den State Park

A married couple was found dead while hiking at Devil’s Den State Park with their two daughters on Saturday. Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were killed on a walking trail. Their two daughters, aged 7 and 9, were unharmed and are currently safe with family members. Friends of the Brinks describe them as “great down-to-earth people,” highlighting their positive impact on those around them.

Suspect Unidentified

Arkansas State Police have released a photo and a composite sketch of a person of interest in the case. The photo was captured by someone on the trail on Saturday, showing the individual from behind, appearing to look out into the trees. The sketch was created based on eyewitness descriptions. However, police have not yet identified the suspect, referring to the man in the photos as a person of interest rather than a suspect.

Details of the Suspect and Vehicle

Authorities believe the killer was seen driving toward a park exit in a black four-door sedan. The vehicle may have been a Mazda with a license plate covered in electrical or duct tape. From that exit, the car could have traveled on either State Highway 170 or State Highway 220. Anyone with information about the suspect, including images, videos, or any relevant details, is urged to contact Arkansas State Police Troop L at 479-751-6663.

FBI Assistance in the Investigation

The FBI is supporting the Arkansas State Police in the investigation by providing additional manpower and specialized resources, according to Jessica Franklin, an agency spokesperson. This collaboration underscores the seriousness of the case and the need for a thorough examination of all possible leads.

Expert Insights on the Case

Angelo Brown, an assistant professor of criminology at Arkansas State University, has expressed concerns about the potential difficulty in solving the case. He noted that Devil’s Den, which lacks cellphone reception, could provide the killer with a significant advantage. “If someone wanted to get away with a heinous crime, they would probably go to a place like this,” Brown said. “By the time the news got out, he's probably 100 miles away.”

Brown also highlighted the possibility of the case taking months, years, or even decades to resolve. “It seems that the majority of cases that are similar to this take a long time to solve,” he added.

Description of the Suspect

According to Arkansas State Police, the suspect was wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, a dark baseball cap, sunglasses, a black backpack, and fingerless gloves on the day of the incident. Authorities believe he fled in a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with the license plate covered in tape.

“This kind of behavior suggests that the crime may have been premeditated,” Brown said. “Someone covering their license plate with some tape is a clear sign of intent.”

Attack on the Brinks

The families of Clinton and Cristen Brink told 40/29 that the couple and their two children were walking on the Devil’s Den hiking trail when the suspect attacked Clinton with a knife. Brown commented on the nature of the attack, stating, “This person probably has some type of experience with violence. That they're willing to stab two strangers with children around shows a level of brutality.”

Remembering the Brinks

Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink had recently moved to Prairie Grove from another state. Prairie Grove is approximately a half-hour drive from Devil’s Den. The couple was hiking with their two daughters when the tragedy occurred. The girls were unharmed and are now with family members.

The Brinks’ family provided a statement to ABC News, expressing their grief and requesting privacy during this difficult time. They asked anyone with information to contact the authorities immediately. “Clinton and Cristen died heroes protecting their little girls, and they deserve justice. They will forever live in all of our hearts,” the statement read.