UPDATE: Double homicide reported at Devil’s Den State Park; manhunt underway

UPDATE, July 27, 2025, 3:45 p.m.:

From the Arkansas State Police:

A couple who was killed at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, was hiking with their two daughters when they were attacked. The girls, aged 7 and 9, were not injured and are safe with their family members.

The victims have been identified as Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, who recently moved to Prairie Grove from another state.

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At about 2:40 p.m., Arkansas State Police (ASP) was notified of a double homicide at the park, located in Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Brink were found dead on a walking trail. ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is handling the suspected homicide.

Investigators are asking those who visited the park on Saturday to review their cellphone photos and videos, as well as GoPro camera footage, for images of the suspect. They are also asking residents of the area surrounding the park to notify ASP if they have access to security and game camera footage. The area of the park where the incident occurred remains cordoned off and secured by law enforcement. The park is located in a remote and rural area, where the terrain is rugged, the vegetation is thick, and there is no cellphone service.

On Sunday, July 27, 2025, ASP issued an updated description of the suspect. After receiving additional information, investigators now believe he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, with sleeves rolled up, rather than a tank top as initially reported.

The suspect is an unknown white male with a medium build. He was wearing dark pants, a dark ballcap, and sunglasses. The suspect was wearing a black backpack and had fingerless gloves. He was seen driving toward a park exit in a black, four-door sedan.

The suspect’s vehicle may be a Mazda with a license plate covered by electrical or duct tape. It may have been traveling on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park.

Anyone with images of the suspect, information about the suspect, or his whereabouts should contact ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663. Investigators urge anyone with photos or video footage not to post it on social media, as this may inadvertently jeopardize the investigation.

Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, issued a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred at Devil’s Den State Park. Our hearts are with the victims’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The safety of our visitors and staff is our highest priority, and we are working closely with Arkansas State Police and various law enforcement officials as the investigation continues.

We have increased law enforcement presence in our state parks. Our Park Rangers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers, and they are actively engaged in ensuring the safety and security of our park guests. We remain committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and to maintaining Arkansas State Parks as safe, welcoming places for all.”

The investigation is ongoing, and ASP is pursuing all leads to apprehend the suspect. ASP is collaborating with all local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.

“I want to thank the public and our media partners for their support as we pursue the man responsible for this heinous crime,” said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. “We are using all available resources to apprehend this suspect and bring him to justice.”

EARLIER: An afternoon hike turned into a crime scene Saturday when a man and woman were found dead on a walking trail in Devil’s Den State Park, prompting a large-scale homicide investigation and a manhunt for an unidentified suspect.

Arkansas State Police said officers were called to the Washington County park at about 2:40 p.m. on July 26 after receiving a report of two bodies discovered along a trail. The victims — a 43-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman — were pronounced dead at the scene.

Their bodies were transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the cause and manner of death.

The agency’s Criminal Investigation Division is treating the case as a double homicide. Investigators stated that the suspect is a white male who was wearing dark shorts, a dark tank top, and weightlifting-style gloves. He was seen driving a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with its license plate covered in duct or electrical tape.

The vehicle was reportedly seen heading toward a park exit and may have been traveling along Arkansas Highway 170 or Highway 220, near the park, shortly after the killings.

A large law enforcement presence remains in the area. The investigation is ongoing, and police said they are pursuing all leads.

Anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts is urged to contact Arkansas State Police Troop L at (479) 751-6663.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders released a statement on Saturday evening.

“We are heartbroken by today’s horrific news from Devil’s Den State Park and are in close contact with State Police and the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism as they work to apprehend the suspect,” Gov. Sanders said. “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.”

No arrests had been made as of Sunday morning.

Image of Devil’s Den State Park via ArkansasStateParks.com