Left: Cristen Amanda Brink and Clinton David Brink/Right: A composite sketch released by the Arkansas State Police Monday night of a man seen in Devil’s Den State Park on July 26, 2025.
UPDATE, Monday, July 28, 2025, 10 p.m.:
Arkansas State Police (ASP) released a composite sketch of a man seen in Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Investigators have asked the public for help identifying the man so that they can question him related to a double homicide at the park.
Investigators said the suspect in the deaths likely sustained an injury while attacking the couple.
The victims have been identified as Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, who recently moved to Prairie Grove from another state. The couple was hiking with their two daughters when they were attacked. The girls, who are 7 and 9, were not injured and are safe with family members.
The couple’s family released the following statement on Monday, July 28, 2025: “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult time as they grieve and learn how to navigate this new reality. 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.”
Anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts should contact ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663, Extension 2, or call 911. ASP has received numerous calls from the public with possible tips. If leaving a voicemail is necessary, calls will be returned as soon as possible.
EARLIER TODAY: A married couple fatally attacked while hiking with their two daughters in northwest Arkansas’ Devil’s Den State Park are being remembered by family as “heroes protecting their little girls.”
Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, of Prairie Grove, were found dead Saturday afternoon on a remote trail in the park. Their daughters, ages 7 and 9, were not physically harmed. The Arkansas State Police are investigating the deaths as a double homicide.
In a statement released Sunday, family members said the Brinks died protecting their children. “They were heroes protecting their little girls,” the statement read. “We are devastated and ask for privacy as we grieve.”
Authorities received the first call around 2:40 p.m. from the park’s visitor center. Police believe the suspect fled in a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with the license plate obscured by tape. The vehicle may have exited the area via State Highway 170 or 220.
The suspect is described as a white male of medium build, last seen wearing a dark baseball cap, sunglasses, fingerless gloves, dark pants and a rolled-up long-sleeve shirt. He was carrying a black backpack.
Authorities have not disclosed how the Brinks were killed, but according to police audio shared by the New York Post, a possible stabbing at the state park was reported around that time.
NBC News reported that the couple lived in inland California and eastern Montana. Public records place them in Miles City, Montana.
Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar said all available resources are being used in the search. Officials are asking park visitors and nearby residents to review any trail cameras, GoPros, dashcams or home surveillance footage taken on July 26. Authorities requested the public avoid sharing potential evidence online to protect the integrity of the investigation.
According to Arkansas State Parks, all trails in Devil’s Den State Park are closed until further notice.
Image of Cristen and Clinton Brinks via Facebook
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