A new image has emerged of a man identified as a “person of interest” by the Arkansas State Police in connection with the tragic deaths of a married couple who were attacked while hiking with their two young daughters in the Ozark Mountains’ Devil’s Den State Park. The couple, Clinton David Brink, aged 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were found dead on a walking trail over the weekend, prompting a murder investigation.
Authorities are seeking assistance from the public to identify the man, who was reportedly seen in the park last Saturday. Police have not disclosed specific details regarding how the couple died, but have confirmed the incident is being treated as a double homicide. Notably, the suspect may have incurred an injury during the assault.
Emergency call audio indicated that the couple’s children, aged 7 and 9, remained unhurt and have been placed in the care of family members. The couple had recently moved from another state to Prairie Grove, Arkansas. In a heartfelt statement released by their family, they expressed their desire for privacy and urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement, highlighting the couple’s bravery in protecting their daughters during the attack.
State police are calling on anyone who visited Devil’s Den State Park on July 26 to scrutinise their photos or videos for the individual in question. They’ve also requested that local residents check security or game camera footage for possible sightings of the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect is described as a medium-build white male, seen wearing a shirt with rolled sleeves, dark trousers, fingerless gloves, sunglasses, and a black backpack, driving a black four-door sedan with a concealed licence plate.
The investigation remains active, with the surrounding area cordoned off. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders labelled the situation “horrific,” announcing enhanced security measures at Arkansas state parks in response to the incident. As the search continues, police have received numerous tips from the public, which they are currently investigating, and have warned against sharing evidence online so as not to jeopardise the case.