A married couple was found dead on a walking trail in Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday afternoon, Arkansas State Police said, adding that a suspect is being sought and the deaths are being investigated as a potential double homicide.
State police identified the victims on Sunday as 43-year-old Clinton David Brink and his 41-year-old wife, Cristen Amanda Brink.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Arkansas State Police said the couple was killed while out hiking with their two daughter, ages 7 and 9, who were not injured in the incident.
The Brinks’ children are safe and in the custody of relatives, according to police.
“The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult time as they grieve and learn how to navigate this new reality. They ask that if anyone has any information at all that will help in the investigation to please contact the proper authorities immediately. Clinton and Kristen died Hero’s protecting their little girls and they deserve justice. They will forever live on in all of our hearts,” a statement released from the Brink and Osgood’s Family said.
“We are using all available resources to apprehend this suspect and bring him to justice,” Col. Mike Hagar of the Arkansas State Police said in a statement released on Sunday.
Investigators have not commented on the manner and circumstances of the couple’s death, but said they have launched a double homicide investigation and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect.
In an updated statement released on Sunday afternoon, Arkansas State Police said they now believe the suspect is a white man with a medium build and wearing dark pants, a dark ball cap and sunglasses. The man was also wearing a long-sleeved shirt, with the sleeves rolled up. Police initially said the suspect was wearing a tank top.
The suspect was also carrying a black backpack and wearing fingerless gloves, or weightlifting-type gloves, according to police. He was last seen driving toward a park exit in a black, four-door sedan.
The suspect may be driving a Mazda with a license plate covered by electrical or duct tape, police said. The car may have been traveling on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park.
Police were called to the park at about 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, according to the police statement. The bodies of the victims were taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab, where autopsies are scheduled to be conducted to determine the exact cause of the deaths, police said.
“Investigators are asking those who visited the park on Saturday to check cellphone photos and videos or GoPro camera footage for images of the suspect,” according to the police statement.
Police are also requesting residents of the area surrounding the park to check their home security camera footage and notify investigators if they notice anything or anyone suspicious.
Anyone with images of the possible suspect, information about the suspect or knows his whereabouts is asked to call the Arkansas State Police Troop L at (479) 751-6663.
“Investigators urge anyone with photos or video to not post footage on social media, as this may inadvertently jeopardize the investigation,” police said in Sunday’s statement.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement on social media, saying her office was in close contact with law enforcement and park authorities investigating the deaths.
“We are praying for the family and friends of the victims, and know that law enforcement will not rest until the perpetrator is brought to justice,” she said.
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