Crime
Clinton Brink and Cristen Brink found dead on a hiking trail at Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork
WEST FORK, Ark. — Arkansas State Police (ASP) are actively investigating a double homicide after two individuals were found dead on a hiking trail at Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork at approximately 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, July 26.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect remains at large and is considered dangerous.
On Sunday, ASP identified the victims as 43-year-old Clinton David Brink and 41-year-old Cristen Amanda Brink, a married couple who had recently relocated to Prairie Grove from another state.
According to officials, the Brinks were hiking with their two young daughters, ages 7 and 9, when they were fatally attacked.
The children were unharmed and are now in the care of relatives.
Suspect initially described as a white male wearing dark shorts, a tank top, and weightlifting gloves, investigators revised the suspect’s description based on new information obtained during the ongoing investigation.
He is now believed to be:
A white male of medium build
Wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up
Dark pants, dark ballcap, and sunglasses
Wearing fingerless gloves and carrying a backpack
Last seen driving a black, four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda
The vehicle’s license plate was reportedly obscured with electrical or duct tape
The suspect was last observed heading toward the park’s exit and may have been traveling on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220, which both run adjacent to the park.
Public Assistance RequestedArkansas State Police are urging anyone who visited Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday to review any photos or videos they may have taken for possible images of the suspect or his vehicle.
Residents in nearby areas are also asked to check their security or game cameras for any suspicious activity.
Anyone with relevant information or footage is asked to immediately contact ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663.
Law Enforcement Response“We are using all available resources to apprehend this suspect and bring him to justice,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar. “I want to thank the public and our media partners for their continued support and cooperation as we work to identify and locate the individual responsible for this heinous crime.”
ASP is coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies in the manhunt. According to Jessica Franklin, Public Affairs Officer for FBI Little Rock, the bureau is in contact with ASP and remains prepared to assist as needed.
In response to the killings, Arkansas State Parks officials have confirmed that law enforcement presence has been increased across all state parks to ensure the safety of visitors.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.