DEVIL’S DEN STATE PARK, AR — A couple hiking with their two young daughters was fatally attacked at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The victims, identified as Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, recently relocated to Prairie Grove. Their daughters, ages 7 and 9, were unharmed and are now safe with family members.
Arkansas State Police (ASP) were alerted around 2:40 p.m. to a double homicide at the park in Washington County. Officers found the Brinks deceased on a walking trail. The ASP Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is leading the homicide investigation.
Because the park is remote with rugged terrain, thick vegetation, and no cellphone service, ASP is asking visitors who were at the park on Saturday to review any photos or videos taken, including footage from GoPro cameras. Residents near the park are also encouraged to check their security or game cameras and report any relevant information.
Law enforcement continues to secure the scene and the surrounding area remains closed. On July 27, ASP updated the suspect’s description based on new information: the suspect is an unknown white male of medium build, wearing dark pants, a dark ballcap, sunglasses, fingerless gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt with sleeves rolled up (correcting an earlier report of a tank top). He was seen with a black backpack driving a black, four-door sedan—possibly a Mazda—with a license plate obscured by tape. The vehicle may have traveled on State Highway 170 or 220 near the park.
Anyone with information or images of the suspect or his vehicle is urged to contact ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663. Authorities advise against posting footage on social media to avoid compromising the investigation.
Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the priority of visitor safety and cooperation with law enforcement. “We have increased law enforcement presence in our state parks,” Lewis said. “Our Park Rangers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers, actively working to ensure the safety and security of our guests.”
ASP Colonel Mike Hagar also spoke about the investigation: “We thank the public and media for their support as we pursue the person responsible for this heinous crime. We are using all resources available to bring this suspect to justice.”
The investigation remains active, with collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies to apprehend the suspect and bring closure to this tragic case.
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