article

FILE – A generic image of a fallen log near a swimming hole. Getty Images

Authorities in Arkansas said they are looking for a suspect after a mother and father were killed while hiking at a state park with their two young daughters on Saturday. 

Arkansas couple killed

What we know:

Arkansas State Police said in a July 27 press release that a couple was killed at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday, July 26, while they were hiking with their two daughters. 

The girls, who are 7 and 9, were not injured and are safe with family members.

The parents have been identified as Clinton Brink, 43, and Cristen Brink, 41. The family had just moved to the area from another state, police said. 

What we don’t know:

Police didn’t release any other details about how the couple was killed except to say they were attacked. The cause of death is being determined. 

A motive was not yet given.

Suspect information:

Authorities across the state are looking for the suspect, who’s described as a white man with a medium build. He was wearing dark pants, a long-sleeved shirt that appeared to have been rolled up to his shoulders, a dark ballcap and sunglasses.

The suspect had a black backpack and was wearing 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, police said. 

Dig deeper:

ASP are asking anyone who visited the park on Saturday to check their photos, video, or GoPro camera footage for images of the suspect. 

Devil’s Den State Park

Big picture view:

Devil’s Den State Park is located about 25 miles south of Fayetteville, not far from the Oklahoma state border.

The park is located in a remote and rural area, where the terrain is rugged, vegetation is thick and there is no cellphone service, Arkansas State Police said. 

What they’re saying:

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.”