The mom and dad murdered while they hiked with their two young daughters in Devil’s Den State Park “died heroes, protecting their little girls” from the killer, their family has said.
Grief-stricken relatives, who are now looking after two orphaned girls aged just seven and nine, revealed their heartbreak as they paid tribute to Cristen and Clinton Brink and appealed for help to find the suspect.
A manhunt is underway after the Brinks were killed on Saturday during a visit to the park in Washington County, Arkansas, with their daughters, who were unharmed.
On Monday, police released a sketch of the suspect and have previously revealed details about his clothing and car. Newsweek emailed Arkansas State Police out of business hours on Tuesday for further information and comment.
Why It Matters
Police have not revealed how the Brinks were killed, but say they believe the murderer may have also been injured during a struggle as the couple fought for their lives. It remains unclear what their daughters witnessed.
Police hunting for the killer have appealed to other park-goers to check their photos or game camera footage in case they captured him on film at any point. They have appealed to local residents to check their security cameras, but have warned people not to share any images online due to the risk of jeopardizing their investigation.
What To Know
Arkansas State Police (ASP) said they were called at about 2:40 p.m. to where the murdered couple had been found on a remote trail with rugged terrain, thick vegetation and no cellphone service.
Clinton Brink, who was due to start a new job as a milk delivery driver on Monday, was 43, and his wife Cristen was 41. The pair were originally from California but had also lived in Montana and recently moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas; they appear to have been exploring the area not far from their new home at the weekend. Facebook pages for the couple are filled with shots of their children, and several images show them enjoying outdoor pursuits.
ASP released a composite sketch of a man they said had been seen in the park on Saturday and asked the public for help identifying him, so they could question him over the double homicide.
The suspect is described as a white male with a medium build. He was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, a dark ballcap, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves, said ASP. He had a black backpack and was seen driving toward a park exit in a black, four-door sedan, they added.
The suspect’s vehicle may be a Mazda with a license plate covered by electrical or duct tape and it may have been traveling on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park, police said.
What People Are Saying
Relatives of Cristen and Clinton Brink released a statement on Monday, saying: “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 the investigation, to please contact the proper authorities immediately. Clinton and Cristen died heroes, protecting their little girls and they deserve justice. They will forever live on in all of our hearts.”
Danikka Harrell, a nurse at a rehabilitation center in Montana who had been friends with the Brinks, was quoted by the Associated Press as recalling how Clinton Brink would set up a volleyball net at a local park and encourage people to play. The Brinks often babysat her daughter “without a thought,” Harrell said, adding that Cristen Brink would bring a plate of food for her when she brought the girl back home. “They were selfless and unconditional with their love and support for their friends,” Harrell said.
Arkansas State Police said on Monday: “The investigation is ongoing, and ASP is pursuing all leads to apprehend the suspect. ASP is collaborating with all local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
What Happens Next
The manhunt continues as police continue to investigate the double-murder.
Anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts should contact ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663, Extension 2, or call 911.
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