Couple murdered while hiking in Arkansas ID’d; police update suspect description
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Couple murdered while hiking in Arkansas ID’d; police update suspect description
Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen Amanda Brinks, 41, were hiking with their children. The couple’s children, ages 7 and 9, were not harmed and are now with relatives. The family had recently moved to the area from another state. Police are seeking additional information and asking anyone who was in the park Saturday, July 26 to check cellphone photos and videos for possible images of the suspect, as well as asking area residents for security and surveillance footage.
Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were hiking with their children at Devil’s Den State Park on July 26 when they were attacked, police said. The family had recently moved to the area from another state.
The suspect remains at large. The couple’s children, ages 7 and 9, were not harmed and are now with relatives, the agency said.
State police received a report of a homicide in the northwest part of the state at around 2:40 p.m. The Brinks’ bodies were found on the trail.
On July 27, Arkansas State Police issued an updated description of a suspect, describing a white man with a medium build wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up; dark pants, a dark baseball cap and sunglasses. The man also had a black backpack and wore fingerless gloves, police said, and was seen driving toward a park exit in a black, four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with a license plate possibly covered with electrical or duct tape.
Police are seeking additional information and asking anyone who was in the park Saturday, July 26 to check cellphone photos and videos for possible images of the suspect, as well as asking area residents for security and surveillance footage. They asked that anyone with relevant information contact them immediately at 479-751-6663.
The park is in “a remote and rural area where the terrain is rugged, vegetation is thick and there is no cellphone service,” Arkansas State Police said in the news release. Responding to an inquiry from USA TODAY, Nick Genty, deputy communications director for the Arkansas State Police, said there were no updates as of July 28.
The state’s Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism issued a statement saying it was “deeply saddened by the tragic events” at the park.
“Our hearts are with the victims’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said the statement, attributed to the department’s secretary, Shea Lewis. “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.”
The department noted there would be an increased law enforcement presence in state parks.