WEST FORK, Ark. (BN24) — A manhunt is underway after an Arkansas couple was found dead in Devil’s Den State Park while hiking with their two young daughters over the weekend, state investigators confirmed Sunday.
Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were discovered Saturday in the remote Washington County park, located about 136 miles northwest of Little Rock, according to Arkansas State Police. The deaths are being investigated as homicides. Authorities have not released details about how the couple died.
Their daughters, ages 7 and 9, were not harmed in the attack and are now in the care of relatives, police said.
Law enforcement officials are searching for a suspect described as a white male wearing dark pants, a dark ball cap, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves. He was carrying a black backpack and was initially thought to be wearing a dark tank top but was later seen with a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He was last seen driving a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with part of the license plate obscured by tape. The vehicle was spotted heading toward a park exit and may have been traveling along State Highways 170 or 220.
Devil’s Den State Park is a popular hiking destination known for its rock formations and forested trails. The remote area has limited cellphone service, which authorities say contributed to a delay in publicly reporting the incident. Arkansas State Police said it took several hours for special agents to reach the site, locate witnesses, and gather accurate details before releasing a statement.
Investigators are now asking park visitors to review any photos or video they may have taken in the area Saturday in case they captured the suspect or the vehicle.
No motive has been identified, but authorities confirmed the Brinks had recently relocated to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from out of state. Clinton Brink had just transferred from Prairie Farms Dairy in South Dakota and was scheduled to begin work as a delivery driver in the Fayetteville area on Monday, according to Hiland Dairy.
“The safety of our visitors and staff is our highest priority,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “We are working closely with Arkansas State Police and other law enforcement officials as the investigation continues.”
The FBI’s Little Rock field office said it is coordinating with state investigators and remains on standby to assist. The bodies of the victims have been taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for autopsies to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised law enforcement efforts.
“We are praying for the family and friends of the victims and know that law enforcement will not rest until the perpetrator is brought to justice,” Sanders said in a statement.
Authorities continue to canvass the area and urge anyone with information to come forward.
