FAYETTEVILLE, AR — Arkansas State Police are searching for a suspect after a married couple was found dead on a walking trail at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday afternoon. Investigators say the deaths are being treated as a potential double homicide.
The victims were identified Sunday as 43-year-old Clinton David Brink and his 41-year-old wife, Cristen Amanda Brink. Police said the couple was hiking with their two daughters, ages 7 and 9, when the violence occurred. The children were not hurt and are now with relatives.
Police say the suspect may have left in a Mazda sedan
State police said the suspect is believed to have exited the park in a four-door Mazda sedan. In an updated description released Sunday afternoon, investigators said the man is believed to be white, of medium build, and wearing dark pants, a dark ball cap and sunglasses.
Police also said he was seen in a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, carrying a black backpack and wearing fingerless or weightlifting-style gloves. Investigators first described the suspect as wearing a tank top before revising that detail. The vehicle may have had a license plate covered by electrical or duct tape.
Search focuses on roads and exits around the park
Investigators said the suspect was last seen driving toward a park exit in a black four-door sedan. Police believe the car may have traveled on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park after the attack.
Police were called to the park at about 2:40 p.m. Saturday. The victims’ bodies were taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for autopsies, which are scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities have not publicly discussed the manner and circumstances of the killings beyond saying they are pursuing a double homicide investigation. The focus now is on identifying the driver and tracking his route away from the park.
Investigators ask visitors to review cellphone and camera footage
Arkansas State Police are asking anyone who was at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday to look through cellphone photos, videos and GoPro footage for possible images of the suspect. They are also urging nearby residents to check home security cameras for anything unusual.
Investigators said people with information or images should contact Arkansas State Police Troop L at (479) 751-6663. Police also asked the public not to post possible evidence on social media, warning that doing so could interfere with the investigation.
Family members remember the couple as they ask for privacy
A statement from the Brink and Osgood family asked for privacy as relatives cope with the loss and try to adjust to what they described as a new reality. The family also urged anyone with information to contact authorities right away.
In the statement, relatives said Clinton and Cristen Brink died protecting their daughters and said they deserve justice. The children, ages 7 and 9, were not injured and remain safe with family members.
Governor and state police say every resource is being used
Col. Mike Hagar of Arkansas State Police said investigators are using all available resources to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders also said her office is in close contact with law enforcement and park officials.
Sanders said on social media that she is praying for the victims’ family and friends and believes law enforcement will not stop until the person responsible is caught. The search remains active as state police continue to piece together the suspect’s movements and identity.
