Parents Killed on Devil's Den Hike: What We Know

Arkansas State Police are seeking the public's help in identifying the man seen in newly-released images to question him about the July 26 double homicide.

Rachel Acenas

Published: 7/29/2025, 4:25:43 PM EDT

Parents Killed on Devil's Den Hike: What We Know — Police released images of a person of interest in a July 26 double homicide (left, center). Clinton Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen, 41, were found dead at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas. (Arkansas State Police, Facebook)

A manhunt is underway for a man authorities are calling a person of interest in the killing of a couple at a state park in Arkansas over the weekend.

Arkansas State Police (ASP) on Tuesday released a new photo to accompany a previously released composite sketch of a man seen in Devil’s Den State Park on July 26. Police are seeking the public's help in identifying the man so they can question him about the double homicide.

The wanted man has been described as a white male with a medium build who was wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, a dark ballcap, and sunglasses. He also wore a black backpack and fingerless gloves, according to an update from ASP.

He was 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 been traveling on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park, police said.

The Double Homicide Case

The victims, identified as Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, recently moved to Prairie Grove from another state. According to police, the couple was hiking with their two young children at the state park in northwestern Arkansas when they were suddenly attacked.

Their bodies were found on a walking trail. Authorities were notified of the discovery around 2:40 p.m. on Saturday.

Devil's Den Park is known for its hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails that lead to the surrounding Ozark National Forest, according to the official Arkansas State Parks website.

Police declined to release specific details about how the couple was assaulted. Authorities believe the person who targeted the couple was likely injured during the attack.

The couple's nine and seven-year old daughters were not hurt. The children are now safe with family, police said.

The couple's family, through police, issued a statement about the incident.

“The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult time as they grieve and learn how to navigate this new reality," the statement reads. "They ask that if anyone has any information at all that will help the investigation, to please contact the proper authorities immediately. Clinton and Cristen died heroes, protecting their little girls and they deserve justice. They will forever live on in all of our hearts.”

The Public's Help

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders called on the public's help in identifying the wanted man.

"Law enforcement is working overtime to track him down and needs your help," the governor wrote on X.

Police are asking those who visited the park on Saturday to check cellphone photos and videos from that day to check for possible images of the person of interest or the described vehicle. Local residents should also check security or game camera footage for any unusual activity or the matching car.

Authorities also advised the public against posting evidence online. Instead, police said, they should preserve the original images and submit the information as soon as possible to police.

Evidence should be submitted to the ASP tip line at (501) 618-TIPS or online.

ASP said it's "working around the clock" along with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners on the case. The investigation is ongoing.