New Photo Released in Arkansas Hiker Murder Investigation

New Photo Released in Arkansas Hiking Tragedy Investigation

Authorities in Arkansas have released a new photograph of a man they are seeking to question in connection with the tragic deaths of a married couple who were attacked and killed while hiking with their two young daughters in Devil’s Den State Park. The man, described as a “person of interest,” was seen at the park on Saturday, according to a statement from Arkansas State Police.

The couple, Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were found dead on a walking trail in the Ozark Mountains. The incident has been classified as a double homicide, though investigators have not yet disclosed how the couple was killed. Police believe the suspect may have sustained an injury during the attack.

A call for information came after the couple’s bodies were discovered. According to audio captured by Broadcastify.com, a call was received from the visitor center regarding two children who had been left there. It was reported that their parents had been assaulted, with one possibly stabbed. The parents were later found missing.

The couple’s daughters, aged 7 and 9, were unharmed and are now safe with family members. Authorities are urging anyone who was at Devil’s Den State Park on July 26 to review any video or photo footage they may have for images of the person of interest. Local residents are also being asked to check security or game camera footage for possible sightings of the vehicle the suspect was driving.

Police have emphasized that individuals should not post evidence online but instead preserve original files and submit them directly to the Arkansas State Police (ASP).

The Brinks had recently moved to Prairie Grove, a small town in northwest Arkansas near the Oklahoma border. Their family released a statement requesting privacy and asking anyone with information to contact authorities immediately. They described the couple as heroes who protected their children and deserve justice.

Devil’s Den State Park, which spans 2,500 acres, is known for its rugged natural beauty, including waterfalls, caves, and rock formations. The killings occurred in an area of the park with thick vegetation and no cellphone service. The trail where the couple was found, the Devil’s Den Trail, is a 1.5-mile loop with moderate difficulty. All trails in the park are currently closed until further notice.

First responders heard yells for help while searching the trail, according to scanner audio. It remains unclear who was shouting for assistance or how long it took for authorities to locate the couple’s bodies. One first responder can be heard saying, “We’ve got two bodies down here.”

Arkansas State Police were notified around 2:40 p.m. of the deaths and have since asked the public for help identifying the suspect. Earlier descriptions of the suspect included a medium-build white male wearing a shirt with rolled-up long sleeves, dark pants, a dark ballcap, fingerless gloves, sunglasses, and carrying a black backpack. He was last 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.

The vehicle may have traveled on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park. Investigators have received numerous calls from the public with possible tips and have urged visitors to review their photos and videos for any images of the suspect. Residents in the surrounding area have also been asked to check security and game camera recordings for leads.

Authorities have warned against sharing any footage on social media, as it could potentially jeopardize the investigation. The area where the killings occurred has been cordoned off as the investigation continues.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the killings “horrific” and stated that the state is in close contact with law enforcement agencies. Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said increased law enforcement presence will be at state parks across the state in response to the tragedy.