An emergency manhunt is underway following the tragic murder of a couple while they were hiking with their two young daughters over the weekend, according to the police.
The Arkansas State Police (ASP) received a report of a double homicide at Devilsden State Park in the northwest part of the state around 2:40 PM on Saturday. The victims, Clinton Brink, 43, and Kristan Brink, 41, were discovered dead on a walking trail.
Fortunately, their daughters, aged 9 and 7, were unharmed and are now safe with their family, police confirmed.
The Brinks were relatively new to the area, having recently moved from another state to Prairie Grove.
The ASP issued a description of a suspect: he is a Caucasian man of medium build, wearing a long-sleeved shirt with rounded sleeves, dark pants, a dark ball cap, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves. Additionally, he was carrying a black backpack.
The suspect is believed to have been seen leaving the park in a black four-door sedan, likely a Mazda, which had tape covering the license plate. This car may have been travelling on Route 170 or 220.
Police described the terrain of the park as rugged, with dense vegetation and no cell phone coverage, making specific details harder to come by.
Cia Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Park Service’s Department of Heritage, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place at Devilsden State Park.”
In a statement, Lewis also emphasized the priority of visitor safety and noted efforts to increase law enforcement presence throughout state parks in Arkansas.
Investigators are urging anyone who visited the park on Saturday to review any photos or videos they may have captured for potential images of the suspect.
The ASP has not yet responded to requests for additional information.
