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Yahoo
8 minutes ago
- Yahoo
LISTEN: Radio captures moment bodies found at Devil's Den
Watch KNWA/FOX24's coverage and listen to the radio recordings in the video player above. WEST FORK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — 'I've got two bodies down here.' — Police scanners caught the moment an officer reported the discovery deep along a trail at Devil's Den State Park on July 26. Moments later, authorities would confirm that a man and woman had been killed while hiking with their two young daughters, who were found physically unharmed. The victims were later identified as Clinton and Cristen Brink of Prairie Grove. Investigators are treating the case as a double homicide. Radio transcript The following segments were taken from broadcasts between 2 p.m and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. Trooper 1: 'Do we need to cover the lower trails or just stay on the main trail?' Trooper 2: 'Cover the main trail first.' Trooper 1: 'Oh, help.' Trooper 2: 'Sweep the main trail first right now.' Trooper 1: 'Main trail… I saw hiking down… I'm asking for help…' Trooper 2: 'Say that again, repeat. Trooper 1: 'I hear yells calling for help, we're walking down…' Trooper 2: 'Try to relay to the office that we found the victims down here. There are on the lower Devil's Den Trail… I think I see you right there. I've got two bodies down here.' Devil's Den double homicide victims identified; manhunt continues Suspect remains at large Law enforcement is continuing the search for a suspect described as a white male of medium build. He was last seen wearing dark pants, a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a dark ballcap, sunglasses, fingerless gloves and carrying a black backpack. The suspect was reportedly driving a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with the license plate obscured by electrical or duct tape. The vehicle was seen heading toward a park exit and may have traveled on State Highways 170 or 220. Authorities are asking park visitors to review any cellphone, GoPro or camera footage from Saturday for possible images of the suspect. Residents near the park are also urged to check home security or game camera footage. Anyone with information should contact Arkansas State Police Troop L at (479) 751-6663. Authorities, locals react Devil's Den State Park remains partially closed as of July 27, with the area where the attack happened still secured by law enforcement. Authorities said the park's rugged terrain, thick vegetation and lack of cell service have complicated the search efforts. The park's rugged terrain, thick vegetation and lack of cell service have complicated the search efforts, authorities said. Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis said the agency is working closely with ASP and has increased law enforcement presence in state parks. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the Devil's Den homicides 'horrific' in a July 26 statement. Nestled in the Ozarks, Devil's Den State Park is home to a few of the most popular trails in the state. 'It's kind of crazy, they are saying it's a random act,' Tyler Yeakley, a local who frequents the park told KNWA/FOX24. 'It definitely makes you think, you never know, the craziest thing can happen out of nowhere. Especially in Arkansas.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
8 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Devil's Den double homicide victims identified; manhunt continues
WEST FORK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A couple was killed July 26 while hiking with their two daughters at Devil's Den State Park; the girls, ages 7 and 9, were unharmed and are safe with family. Arkansas State Police identified the victims as Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41. The couple had recently moved to Prairie Grove from out of state, according to the release. The double homicide was reported around 2:40 p.m. on July 26. Investigators with ASP's Criminal Investigation Division say the Brinks were found dead along a walking trail in a remote area of the park. Suspect still at large Law enforcement continues to search for the suspect, described as a white male of medium build. Witnesses last saw him wearing dark pants, a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a dark ballcap, sunglasses, fingerless gloves and a black backpack. He was seen driving a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with the license plate obscured by electrical or duct tape. The vehicle was reportedly headed toward a park exit and may have traveled on State Highways 170 or 220. Authorities are asking park visitors to review any cellphone, GoPro or camera footage from Saturday for possible images of the suspect. Residents near the park are also asked to check their security or game camera footage. Anyone with information should contact ASP 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,' ASP said in the release. Devil's Den State Park closed Devil's Den State Park remains partially closed as of July 27, with the area where the attack happened still secured by law enforcement. The park's rugged terrain, thick vegetation and lack of cell service have complicated the search efforts. Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis said the agency is working closely with ASP and has increased law enforcement presence in state parks. 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred at Devil's Den State Park,' Lewis said in a statement. 'Our hearts are with the victims' loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.' ASP Col. Mike Hagar thanked the public for their support and emphasized the agency's commitment to solving the case. 'We are using all available resources to apprehend this suspect and bring him to justice,' Hagar said. 'This was a heinous crime, and we won't stop until he's found.' The investigation is 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
8 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Manhunt continues for Devil's Den double homicide suspect, what to know
WEST FORK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The search for a man accused of killing two people at Devil's Den State Park continues into a third day. Arkansas State Police say Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were killed while hiking with their two school-age daughters at the park on Saturday afternoon. A news release from ASP said that the couple had recently moved to Prairie Grove from out of state. NBC News reported that the couple lived in inland California and eastern Montana. Public records place them in Miles City, Montana. The double homicide was first reported around 2:40 p.m. on July 26. Investigators with ASP's Criminal Investigation Division say the two were found dead along a walking trail in a remote area of the park. LISTEN: Radio captures moment bodies found at Devil's Den Police scanner recordings capture the moment bodies were found Police scanner recordings obtained by KNWA/FOX24 caught the moment an officer found the bodies of the two victims. 'Try to relay to the office that we found the victims down here. There are on the lower Devil's Den Trail… I think I see you right there. I've got two bodies down here,' a trooper can be heard saying on the scanner. The couple's two children, ages 9 and 7, were found physically unharmed, according to authorities. Suspect remains at large The search continues for the suspect accused of attacking and killing the couple. ASP described the suspect as a white male of medium build. The man was last seen wearing dark pants, a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a dark ballcap, sunglasses, fingerless gloves, and carrying a black backpack. He was reportedly driving a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with the license plate obscured by electrical or duct tape. The vehicle was seen heading toward a park exit and may have traveled on State Highways 170 or 220. Arkansas State Police asking for public's help Authorities are asking park visitors to review any cellphone, GoPro or camera footage from Saturday for possible images of the suspect. Residents near the park are also urged to check home security or game camera footage. Investigators are asking anyone with photos or video to not post footage on social media, as that could inadvertently jeopardize the investigation. Anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts should call ASP Troop L at 479-751-6663. Devil's Den double homicide victims identified; manhunt continues Officials respond to double homicide A spokesperson with the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism released a new statement to KNWA/FOX24 Monday. 'At Arkansas State Parks, the safety of our guests and staff is our highest priority,' the statement reads. 'Our Park Rangers are highly trained state-certified law enforcement officers who patrol campgrounds, trails, and waterways, staying aware of visitor locations and responding to all emergencies — from medical incidents and wildlife encounters to missing persons and traffic accidents. 'Each Park Ranger has completed training through law enforcement academies and all uniformed staff are trained in emergency services, including search and rescue, first aid, CPR, and wildfire response. Many are also part of our training officer program to maintain and improve readiness. 'Our high-visitation parks have Park Rangers who live onsite, helping ensure a strong, proactive presence and the ability to respond quickly — not just within the parks, but in surrounding areas as well.' KNWA/FOX24 requested more information on Monday about the number Park Rangers employed by the state of Arkansas, where those Rangers are deployed, and what kind of standard operating procedures are in place for patrolling hiking trails. State officials have acknowledged that request, and we are waiting on their response. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders described the attack as 'horrific' in a statement on X on Saturday evening. '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,' Sanders said. ASP Col. Mike Hagar thanked the public for their support and emphasized the agency's commitment to solving the case. 'We are using all available resources to apprehend this suspect and bring him to justice,' Hagar said. 'This was a heinous crime, and we won't stop until he's found.' Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis said the agency is working closely with ASP and has increased law enforcement presence in all state parks. The Arkansas State Parks' website says that all trails at Devil's Den State Park are closed until further notice. Authorities said the park's rugged terrain, thick vegetation and lack of cell service have complicated the search 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Arkansas State Police make arrest in Devil's Den double homicide case
Editor's Note: This story has been revised to correct an error. Arkansas State Police previously said the suspect's name was James Andrew McGann, but the department said on Thursday morning that it is Andrew James McGann. SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Arkansas State Police made an arrest in the recent Devil's Den double homicide case on July 30. Andrew James McGann, 28, is charged with two counts of capital murder. ASP says McGann was taken into custody at 4:57 p.m. at a business in Springdale. According to Maj. Stacie Rhoads with ASP, McGann had just moved to Northwest Arkansas from Oklahoma and was recently employed at a local school. He had no connection to the Brinks family. He is being held at the Washington County jail. Washington County Prosecutor Brandon Carter says McGann is scheduled to appear in court on August 1. Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were fatally attacked while hiking with their two daughters. The girls, who are 7 and 9, were not injured and are safe with family members. 'No news can heal the enormous harm done to the Brink family in last weekend's crime, but this announcement is a comfort and reassurance for our State. I am so proud of the Arkansas State Police, Park Rangers, local law enforcement, and others who have worked nonstop since last weekend to capture this suspect. I ask that Arkansans lift up prayers of thanks for the brave men and women of law enforcement – and offer prayers of condolence to the victims of this horrific crime. Let there be no mistake – we do not tolerate violent crime in Arkansas. If you target innocent people, law enforcement will hunt you down and bring you to justice,' Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. 'I'm extremely grateful for the long hours and dedication that our Agents put forward in bringing justice to this family. The collaboration between State Police, other state and local law enforcement agencies, and our federal partners has been second to none. Because of their hard work and investigative skill, we were able to take a monster off the streets, and bring relief to those two precious girls, and the rest of our citizens,' said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. Sanders, along with Hagar, held a press conference at the Arkansas State Police Troop L Headquarters in Lowell. The full press conference can be viewed in the video above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
2 days ago
- The Hill
FBI joins manhunt following double homicide in Arkansas state park
WEST FORK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The FBI has joined the Arkansas State Police in the search for the suspect accused of killing two people at Devil's Den State Park on Saturday. State Police say Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, of Prairie Grove, were killed while hiking with their two school-age daughters at the park on Saturday afternoon. The Brink family had recently moved to the area, according to Prairie Grove's mayor. In a statement to Nexstar's KNWA/KFTA on Monday, a spokesperson for the FBI said that while Arkansas State Police remains the lead in the investigation, the agency's Little Rock office has provided 'additional manpower and specialized resources.' ASP described the suspect as a white male of medium build. The man was last seen wearing dark pants, a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a dark ballcap, sunglasses, fingerless gloves, and carrying a black backpack. He was reportedly driving a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with the license plate obscured by electrical or duct tape. The vehicle was seen heading toward a park exit and may have traveled on State Highways 170 or 220. Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis said the agency is working closely with ASP and has increased law enforcement presence in all state parks. The Arkansas State Parks' website says that all trails at Devil's Den State Park are closed until further notice. The park's rugged terrain, thick vegetation and lack of cell service have complicated the search efforts, according to officials. Authorities are asking park visitors to review any cellphone, GoPro or camera footage from Saturday for possible images of the suspect. Residents near the park are also urged to check home security or game camera footage. Anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts should call ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663. According to State Police, the Brinks' daughters, ages 7 and 9, were found physically unharmed. Hiland Dairy confirmed to the Associated Press that Clinton Brink had transferred from its parent company, Prairie Farms Dairy, from South Dakota, and was scheduled to start his job as a driver delivering milk in the Fayetteville area on Monday. The family had also previously lived in California and Montana, according to reports. 'Clinton and Cristen died heroes protecting their little girls, and they deserve justice,' the Brink family said in a statement . 'They will forever live in all of our hearts.'
