A massive manhunt is under way after Clinton and Cristen Brink were killed whilst hiking with their two young daughters at Devil’s Den State Park in northwest Arkansas on Saturday afternoon, with police warning the suspect likely sustained injuries during the attack.
Arkansas State Police released a composite sketch on Monday night of a person of interest as the search entered its fourth day for the killer who murdered Clinton Brink, 43, and Cristen Brink, 41, on a remote walking trail at approximately 2.40pm on Saturday. The couple’s daughters, aged seven and nine, were unharmed in the attack and are now safe with relatives.
In a heartbreaking statement, the Brink family said the couple “died heroes, protecting their little girls” and deserved justice. They will forever live in all our hearts,” the family added, requesting privacy as they “grieve and learn to navigate this new reality.
Police believe the suspect, described as a white male of medium build, sustained injuries whilst attacking the couple, though authorities have not revealed how the Brinks were killed. The Arkansas State Crime Lab is working to determine the cause of death.
The suspect was wearing a long-sleeved shirt with sleeves rolled up, dark trousers, a dark baseball cap, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves, according to the updated description. He was also carrying a black backpack and fled the scene in a black, four-door car, possibly a Mazda, with the number plate covered with duct tape.
Authorities believe the vehicle exited the park and travelled on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220. The FBI has joined the investigation, providing additional manpower and specialised resources to assist Arkansas State Police.
The couple had moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, just three weeks ago from South Dakota, where Clinton worked for Prairie Farms Dairy. He was due to start his new job as a milk delivery driver in the Fayetteville area on Monday, the day after his death.
Karina Hutchins, Clinton’s sister, confirmed the recent relocation and urged anyone with information to come forward. Prairie Grove Mayor David Faulk said the Brinks had only started their water service on 16 July, just ten days before the attack.
Washington County Prosecutor Brandon Carter condemned the killings as a “senseless, heinous crime for which there are no appropriate words.” He pledged to pursue charges “consummate with the crime committed” once the suspect is apprehended.
The attack occurred in what police described as “a remote and rural area, where the terrain is rugged, vegetation is thick and there is no cellphone service.” Radio dispatch audio obtained by Broadcastify revealed the chilling initial report: “Two children are there. They advised that their parents were assaulted. One was possibly stabbed. The parents are missing.”
Criminology expert Dr Brown from Arkansas State University, whilst not involved in the investigation, noted the location suggested premeditation. If someone wanted to get away with a heinous crime, they would probably go to a place like this,” he said. “It lacks cell phone reception. That’s an important factor. So by the time the news got out, he’s probably 100 miles away.
The suspect’s preparedness, including fingerless gloves and a concealed number plate, indicated planning, Dr Brown added. The attack’s remote location meant it took approximately six hours between officials receiving reports and issuing a public statement.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed heartbreak over the “horrific news,” stating that “law enforcement will not rest until the perpetrator is brought to justice.” The state has increased police presence across all Arkansas state parks in response.
Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said park rangers, who are fully commissioned law enforcement officers, were “actively engaged in ensuring the safety and security of our park guests.” All trails at Devil’s Den remain closed until further notice.
The 2,500-acre park, known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, caves and rock formations, sits about 136 miles northwest of Little Rock and is popular with tourists and locals alike. The attack occurred on the Devil’s Den Trail, a 1.5-mile loop rated as moderate difficulty.
Investigators are urgently appealing to anyone who visited the park on Saturday to check mobile phone photos, videos or GoPro footage for images of the suspect. Area residents with security or game camera footage are also asked to contact police.
Colonel Mike Hagar of Arkansas State Police thanked the public and media for support, stating: “We are using all available resources to apprehend this suspect and bring him to justice.” However, authorities warned against posting any footage on social media, as this could jeopardise the investigation.
Hiland Dairy, Clinton’s employer, confirmed he had transferred from their South Dakota operation and was set to begin his new role on Monday. The company has not issued a statement about the tragedy.
The investigation marks one of Arkansas’s most shocking crimes in recent years, with the brutal nature of the attack on a family outing sending shockwaves through the local community. The fact that the couple’s young daughters witnessed the attack has added to the horror.
Anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts should contact Arkansas State Police Troop L at (479) 751-6663. Police stress that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial in tracking down the killer.
As the manhunt continues, questions remain about the motive for the seemingly random attack on a couple who had just begun their new life in Arkansas. For now, two young girls must grow up without their parents, who gave their lives protecting them on what should have been a peaceful family hike.
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