News Summary
Authorities in Arkansas are actively searching for a suspect linked to the tragic deaths of Clinton and Cristen Brink, who were attacked during a family hiking trip. Their two daughters were unharmed and are now safe with family. As the investigation continues, a composite sketch of a suspect has been released, drawing attention from the community and leading to increased patrols at Devil’s Den State Park. The FBI has also entered the case to assist local authorities in finding justice for the couple.
Police on the Hunt for Suspect in Arkansas Couple’s Tragic Deaths
Authorities in Arkansas are actively searching for a suspect connected to the unfortunate deaths of a couple, Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41. The tragic event unfolded on a peaceful day for the family on July 26, 2025, during a hike at the scenic Devil’s Den State Park.
The couple’s two young daughters, aged just 7 and 9, were unharmed during this troubling incident. Thankfully, the girls are now being cared for by family members as authorities continue their investigation into the matter.
Details of the Incident
The Brinks had recently relocated from South Dakota to a quaint community in Arkansas and were enjoying a family hiking trip when they were attacked. Clinton had just taken on a new role as a milk delivery driver and had even gotten the water connected in their new home a short time before. How blissful an outing it must have been, now turned into a nightmare.
Search for the Suspect
As part of the investigation, the Arkansas State Police released a composite sketch of a person of interest. This sketch depicts a man wearing a baseball hat, described as a white male with a medium build. Eyewitnesses mentioned he was also spotted wearing dark shorts, a long-sleeved shirt (with the sleeves rolled up), sunglasses, and fingerless gloves, while carrying a black backpack.
Reports say that the suspect was seen leaving the park in a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with a license plate partly covered by tape. As the investigation unfolds, police have urged anyone who visited the park on that fateful day to sift through their photos and videos, as they might hold crucial evidence in identifying the suspect.
Community Reaction
In the wake of this terrifying incident, all trails at Devil’s Den State Park were promptly closed, leading to increased patrols by park rangers. The park, known for its rugged terrain and beautiful wooded trails, offers limited cellphone service, which may hinder communication efforts during such emergencies.
Following the news, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders labeled the couple’s deaths as “horrific.” She assured the community that law enforcement will spare no effort in bringing the suspect to justice. As the search persists, many are now feeling a sense of unease regarding their lovely park, which saw a noticeable drop in visitors since the incident.
Several tips have flooded in to the Arkansas State Police, although they have been tight-lipped about releasing further details about how the victims were killed or any potential motive behind the attack.
FBI Assistance
The investigation has garnered federal attention as the FBI’s Little Rock field office is stepping in to assist state police. The team is determined to get to the bottom of this unsettling case and seeks justice for the Brinks and their family.
FAQ
What happened to the Brink family at Devil’s Den State Park?
Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink were tragically attacked while hiking at Devil’s Den State Park on July 26, 2025, resulting in their deaths.
Are the two daughters of the Brink family safe?
Yes, the couple’s two daughters, aged 7 and 9, were unharmed and are being cared for by family members.
What details are available about the suspect?
The suspect is described as a white male with a medium build, wearing dark shorts, a long-sleeved shirt with sleeves rolled up, sunglasses, fingerless gloves, and carrying a black backpack. He was seen driving a black sedan, possibly a Mazda.
How are authorities responding to the situation?
Authorities have closed all trails at the park, increased patrols by park rangers, and are actively investigating with assistance from the FBI.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | July 26, 2025 |
| Victims | Clinton David Brink (43) and Cristen Amanda Brink (41) |
| Daughters’ Ages | 7 and 9 years old |
| Suspect Description | White male, medium build, dark shorts, long-sleeved shirt, black backpack |
| Vehicle Description | Black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda |
| Current Status | Investigation ongoing, park trails closed |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Devil’s Den State Park
- 4029 TV
- Google Search: Devil’s Den State Park Arkansas
- Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicide
- Washington Post
- Google News: Devil’s Den State Park couple homicide
- USA Today
- Google Scholar: Devil’s Den State Park case
- NW Arkansas Homepage
