Devil’s Den homicide: Married couple murdered in Arkansas wilderness – their children witnessed the murder

A tranquil family hike in Devil’s Den State Park turned into a scene of unimaginable horror on July 26, 2025, when Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were murdered in front of their two young daughters, according to Arkansas Police.

The family, who had only just moved into the area, had been hiking along a trail in the northwest Arkansas park when the attack occurred. According to authorities, screams were reported around 2:30 p.m., prompting an emergency response from local law enforcement and rescue teams.

By the time officers arrived, both Clinton and Cristen were found dead. Their daughters, aged 7 and 9, were located nearby. While physically unharmed, officials say the girls had witnessed the attack and are now in the care of relatives. The crime is being investigated as a double homicide.

Clinton and Cristen died heroes

According to a statement provided to ABC News by the Brink family, Clinton and Cristen died protecting their little girls like heroes, and they deserve justice.

The Arkansas State Police have not released specific details about how the couple died, but confirmed the deaths were violent. Multiple sources, including The Washington Post, report that the Brinks may have been stabbed during the assault. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance in the area led investigators to believe the attacker fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.

The suspect is still at large. Authorities have released a description of a man they believe may be connected to the crime. He is described as a white male of medium build, last seen wearing dark pants, rolled-up long sleeves, a dark baseball cap, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves.

Witnesses say he was carrying a black backpack and may have been driving a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with tape covering part of the license plate.

In the wake of the murders, Devil’s Den State Park, about 180 miles northwest of Little Rock, was temporarily closed as law enforcement officers combed the area for evidence.

Arkansas State Police and other agencies are urging the public not to share images or videos from the park on social media. Instead, they’re asking anyone with photos, dash cam recordings, or GoPro footage from that day to submit it directly to authorities for review.

The governor of Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, expressed her condolences and called the killings “horrific.” She confirmed the state will provide all available resources to bring the killer to justice. The investigation remains active.