Tragic Murder of Couple While Hiking in Arkansas
The grieving family of a couple tragically murdered in front of their daughters while hiking in Devilsden State Park, Arkansas, describes them as “a hero who protects little girls” amidst an ongoing manhunt for their killers.
Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Christan Amanda Brink, 41, lost their lives Saturday afternoon. According to police audio, their desperate screams seemed to alert others nearby.
They were hiking on a remote trail within the expansive park along with their daughters, ages 7 and 9.
“Clinton and Kristan protected their little girl but were sacrificed themselves; they deserve justice,” the Brink family stated in a message. They expressed that the couple will “live in our hearts forever.”
Their family requested privacy during this profoundly difficult time, as they try to process their loss and navigate a new reality. They also appealed to the public for any helpful information related to the case.
While authorities have not disclosed the specifics of how the couple was killed, reports indicate that emergency responders were called around 2:30 PM on Saturday regarding a possible stabbing incident. According to a recorded radio exchange, a visitor center received a call indicating that two children reported their parents had been attacked.
One responder noted hearing “screams for help” as they approached the scene, further adding to the gravity of the situation. Upon arrival, officials found both parents deceased.
By then, the perpetrators had fled. The responder was heard confirming their grim discovery: “We found the victim here…two bodies.”
Fortunately, the couple’s daughters were unharmed during the attack and have since been placed with family members. Police remain uncertain if the killing was targeted. It’s noted that the couple had recently relocated to Arkansas from out of state.
Law enforcement is searching for a suspect described as wearing a long-sleeved shirt, dark pants, a baseball cap, sunglasses, and carrying a black backpack with fingerless gloves.
Authorities reported that this individual was seen driving a black four-door sedan, which may have been a Mazda, and had tape covering the license plate. After leaving the park’s exit, the vehicle could have headed toward State Highway 170 or State Highway 220.
Arkansas State Police did not issue a public alert about the manhunt until around 8:40 PM on Saturday—over six hours after the incident was first reported. Police attributed this delay to the challenges posed by the remote location of the crime.
State police emphasized that the area is notoriously rural, featuring dense vegetation and a lack of mobile phone service.
