Arkansas Couple Clinton and Cristen Brink Killed While Hiking at Devil’s Den; Police Seek Suspect and Public’s Help
AIKEN COUNTY, Ark. — Authorities are urgently appealing for public assistance following the suspected double homicide of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, who were killed while hiking with their two young daughters, aged 7 and 9, at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025
📌 What Happened
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At approximately 2:40 p.m., Arkansas State Police (ASP) were notified of a double homicide along a walking trail within Washington County’s Devil’s Den State Park, a rugged and remote park in the Ozark National Forest with limited cellphone reception.
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The couple was discovered unresponsive; their daughters were found unharmed and are now under the care of relatives .
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Clinton and Cristen had recently relocated to Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Their bodies have been sent to the state crime lab for autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
👤 Suspect Description & Vehicle
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Investigators describe the suspect as a white male of medium build, seen wearing dark clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt or tank top, dark pants, a dark cap, sunglasses, and fingerless or weightlifting gloves. He was carrying a black backpack.
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He was last seen driving a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with a license plate covered by duct or electrical tape. Eyewitnesses placed the vehicle exiting the park onto nearby rural highways—either State Highway 170 or 220 .
🚨 Public Appeal: Review Photos & Videos
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Authorities are urging anyone who visited Devil’s Den on Saturday, July 26, to carefully review all personal photos, videos, or GoPro footage. Investigators are specifically looking for images of the suspect, the vehicle, or anything unusual in or near the park at that time.
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Residents living near the park are also asked to check security camera or game footage, especially along rural driveways and park exits. Officials emphasize that any images submitted should not be posted publicly to avoid compromising the investigation .
🧭 Park Safety and Response
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Devil’s Den State Park spans about 2,500 acres of rugged terrain—forest, trails, caves—where mobile coverage is sparse. Its isolation has complicated the investigation but also underscores the importance of any visual evidence captured by park visitors or nearby residents.
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In response to the tragedy, park officials have increased law enforcement presence. Rangers and ASP are coordinating closely, ensuring trail closures in the area where the deaths occurred, and conducting patrols in neighboring park zones.
🕊️ Remembering the Brinks
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Clinton Brink, 43, and Cristen Brink, 41, are survived by their young daughters, their grieving families, and a broader community shocked by the violence. The girls are being cared for by relatives and are described as physically uninjured but emotionally shakenLocal officials and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism have offered their condolences and affirmed their commitment to safety and transparency in the investigation process
⚠️ What You Can Do
If you were present at Devil’s Den State Park on July 26, please:
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Review your personal recordings—cellphone, camera, GoPro—for images from the areas near trailheads, parking lots, or exit routes.
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Check nearby private or public camera feeds you might have access to.
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Report any relevant footage or observations directly to Arkansas State Police Troop L at (479) 751‑6663. Do not post about it on social media.
Summary
On July 26, 2025, Clinton and Cristen Brink were found dead on a hiking trail in Devil’s Den State Park, suspected victims of a homicide. Their daughters, aged 7 and 9, were unharmed. Law enforcement is actively seeking a white male suspect described above, seen leaving the park in a black sedan with a taped-over plate. Authorities are appealing for anyone with park photos or video from that day to come forward with potential evidence .