Arkansas manhunt underway after murderer kills couple in front of their kids—police did not tell public for 6 hours

A manhunt is underway to find a murderer who killed a married couple in front of their kids at the Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas. Amid the manhunt, it took six hours for the police to notify the public that the killer was on the loose.

Calls about an assault came in at around 2:30 pm on July 26, where there was a potential assault at the park. First responders also heard screams. However, once they caught up to where the family was located, the couple, Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were found dead, according to 5 News.

The couple's two daughters, aged 7 and 9, witnessed the killings.

It was six hours later that police released a statement about the manhunt for the suspect at around 8:40 pm. “The location is in remote, rural Arkansas,” a police spokesman told 5News. “It took time for our special agents to arrive on scene, locate witnesses, conduct interviews, and collaborate information so we released the appropriate information.”

It was not until Sunday that the police issued an updated description of the suspect, who they said was wearing dark pants, a red baseball cap, and sunglasses. Authorities also said that he was seen driving a Mazda and had its license plate covered up with tape.

“Our Park Rangers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers, and they are actively engaged in ensuring the safety and security of our park guests,” Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said. “We remain committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and to maintaining Arkansas State Parks as safe, welcoming places for all.

Investigators have asked that witnesses or anyone with relevant information come forward and call ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663.