Clinton David Brink, 43, Cristen Amanda Brink, 41 found on trail- Devil's Den State Park, AR- 26 July, 2025 *Arrest*

[Kaley Smith]

 

[KaylynnCouture]

This is wild. And also incredibly sad for their two children.

Where’s the nearest parking lot to where the parents were found?

 

[The Zookeeper]

The only thing that my mind keeps going back to is the fact that the license plate was covered with tape. To me, that screams targeted. But, if it was targeted, why the state park? Why not their home or somewhere more secluded? Plus, in the middle of the daytime? Also, if one parent was able to get away and take the girls to the car or visitor center, why didn’t that parent call 911 or get help immediately?
I think the key to much of this will be in talking with those precious little girls. If the perpetrator was someone the family knew or one of the parents knew, the girls may have recognized them or heard one of their parents say the person’s name. I’m so grateful that the girls are safe, but so sad for the trauma they have endured and will endure for their lifetime.

 

[angelainwi]

Also, if one parent was able to get away and take the girls to the car or visitor center, why didn’t that parent call 911 or get help immediately?

Very good point, why didn't they call 911 as soon as they were out of earshot of the perp. Especially if your spouse has been stabbed, you want EMS right away too. Unless they knew they were so out in the boondocks that first responders would be delayed, but even more so reason to call ASAP, get them on their way there!

 

[Knox]

Very good point, why didn't they call 911 as soon as they were out of earshot of the perp. Especially if your spouse has been stabbed, you want EMS right away too. Unless they knew they were so out in the boondocks that first responders would be delayed, but even more so reason to call ASAP, get them on their way there!

No cell signal out there, I’ve seen locals say that in the MSM comments.

 

[LadyL]

dbm

 

[dulcinea]

I thought perhaps the parent who first escaped with the girls knew someone else was going to call for help or that someone was running to the visitors' center. (The posted articles mention lack of cell service.) I'm not sure I would be thinking straight in this situation and I know I'd want to run to my husband. I'd be so conflicted on what to do.

 

[Knox]

[bbm]

is that info in MSM? cause I can't find any reference to it

No it’s not.

 

[Inthedetails]

Very good point, why didn't they call 911 as soon as they were out of earshot of the perp. Especially if your spouse has been stabbed, you want EMS right away too. Unless they knew they were so out in the boondocks that first responders would be delayed, but even more so reason to call ASAP, get them on their way there!

I read earlier today that cell coverage in the park isn't necessarily available.

I don't have the link handy, so I'll add IMO.

jmo

 

[Breezyflavor]

Hey all quick note: Comments and posts by readers/visitors on FB pages (even law enforcement) are not allowed to be linked, quoted, copied or referenced. They are considered rumor.

 

[Knox]

@ angelainwi - a google search brings up many posts on various camping/hiking sites which state there is no cell service, except at the campground (with wifi purchase) or if you’re on a high peak.

MSM link-

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.

Devil’s Den murders: Arkansas couple killed while hiking with young daughters | FOX 5 Atlanta

A mother and father were killed this weekend at an Arkansas state park while they were out hiking with their young daughters, state police said. A manhunt is underway for the suspect.

www.fox5atlanta.com

 

[StarryStarryNight]

The only thing that my mind keeps going back to is the fact that the license plate was covered with tape. To me, that screams targeted. But, if it was targeted, why the state park? Why not their home or somewhere more secluded? Plus, in the middle of the daytime? Also, if one parent was able to get away and take the girls to the car or visitor center, why didn’t that parent call 911 or get help immediately?
I think the key to much of this will be in talking with those precious little girls. If the perpetrator was someone the family knew or one of the parents knew, the girls may have recognized them or heard one of their parents say the person’s name. I’m so grateful that the girls are safe, but so sad for the trauma they have endured and will endure for their lifetime.

Yes. The taped over license plate is way weirder that the fingerless gloves in my opinion.
That points to it being planned to me. Doesn’t necessarily mean the guy was targeting anybody in particular, just that he went out there to cause harm to someone.

 

[Hexe]

I’m not sure this outfit means much. If you’re going for a hike, you might want to wear a ballcap and sunglasses and carry a backpack. The gloves are a little odd, but if I were planning to commit a crime, I think I’d go for the ones with fingers…

But when you plan to commit a murder with a knife you might want to have full mobility of fingers, for better grasp (as a dyspraxic I cannot get a decent hold on anything with gloves on), yet have your palms protected from accidental cuts (blood is darn slippery). Also, the bloidstains are barely recognisable as such on the black fabric.

I think from what we know now, it’s equally likely to be targeted, planned but not targeted (hunting but not specifically for them), or unplanned as a result of an altercation
Even the tape on the license plate could have been applied afterwards.

I do not think anyone would be spending time applying tape to the plates with two fresh bodies left behind and the police on the doorstep.

(Or honestly could have been applied beforehand for reasons not related to planning a murder. People who are already paranoid might be more likely to react poorly to a confrontation on the trail, for example.)

That's possible, yes.

 

[GamesAfoot101]

Most weight lifting gloves come fingerless don't they so would be terrible for the purpose they've been used for assuming they are fingerless. also I was very tired last night when posting. But there was some speculation that he knew the family and I think i meant to say it was possibly a random attack on strangers. Again this was my fault not checking what I posted as I was tired.

Has there been any update on the car with the taped on plates that was seen ?.

and who goes to a fitness store to buy those for this purpose. Wouldn't it have been easier to buy generic gardening gloves. Does this mean the attacker is a avid weight lifter ? if so is this psychotic roid rage ?.

 

[Carovb5]

That's my take too. I saw some pictures of them together from 2017. My first thought when I started hearing about this murder was a jealous ex / baby daddy.

There is, if you look at their Social Media, a third older daughter.

 

[Woolly]

The possible confrontation that comes to my mind is perhaps something to do with the cars. Did one of their car doors bump into his car, for example? Did one driver park weird and the other commented? I picture a dumb argument in the parking area and the dad and mom quietly taking the kids on their hike to de-escalate, but the guy followed them. speculation only.

Or, did the family encounter them on the trail and he was doing something he didn't want seen?

Or was it a robbery on the trail?

Was the perp creepy about the girls and the dad tried to get rid of him?

Now that I know the family is new to the area and, from what little we know, seem normal and nice, I don't think this is targeted and planned in advance. But I think something unexpected escalated and/or the perp is nuts and went on an unexplainable random rampage. imo

jmopinion at the moment, subject to change as we learn more

I also think this could have originated in the parking lot. Some comment or perceived slight. Plenty of time to slap some duct tape on your license plate and grab the mountain biking gloves from your car and catch up to the family on the trail.

Of course, if they were finishing their hike instead of starting it, that changes things. And given the time of day (mid afternoon) maybe ending a hike is more likely?

It’s just so much speculation at this point. But hopefully the girls will be able to share when they first encountered him (whether that was the attack or at some previous point) and if anything was said at any time.

 

[Woolly]

I also wonder, if it was planned but not targeted, if he chose them because he thought they were from out of state. I am just speculating, but if they had not yet gotten around to registering their car in Arkansas, it would have appeared that way.

 

[AngTxGal]

That could very well be.

On one hand, it seems planned, but on the other hand, the family is new to the area and probably didn't know anyone well enough to have murderous anger toward them. They moved from Montana and I'm guessing they were not hated by anyone enough to be followed so far and then attacked on a public trail. From the looks of it, they are a normal, nice family on a weekend outing. imo. I don't think the perp is anyone they know.

I think he might be "on edge" and something set him off on the trail. Or, he purposely went on the trail to attack - but why a family of four?

jmopinion

Why attack a family of four?
The tape license plate- Maybe hiding on the run? Or planned child abduction, robbery?
Dark clothing, long sleeves- cap, gloves? Lurking in the woods?
Car near visitor center- near exit? Plan to abduct and run? Parents fought back?

I would expect there to be cameras on the entrance route, visitor center. Did he come in a get a day pass? When did he enter the park? How long before the incident?

What direction would he go? Unless he is driving rural a camera will pick him up.

Troubling, so glad those girls were not physically harmed, what they witnessed is harm enough
IMO

 

[Possum_AR]

I read earlier today that cell coverage in the park isn't necessarily available.

I don't have the link handy, so I'll add IMO.

jmo

I've been there several times. It's down in a valley in a remote area with very little cell service

 

[Possum_AR]

Why attack a family of four?
The tape license plate- Maybe hiding on the run? Or planned child abduction, robbery?
Dark clothing, long sleeves- cap, gloves? Lurking in the woods?
Car near visitor center- near exit? Plan to abduct and run? Parents fought back?

I would expect there to be cameras on the entrance route, visitor center. Did he come in a get a day pass? When did he enter the park? How long before the incident?

What direction would he go? Unless he is driving rural a camera will pick him up.

Troubling, so glad those girls were not physically harmed, what they witnessed is harm enough
IMO

I can't say for sure but I very much doubt there are many cameras there, if any.