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
36-year-old Emerald Pretty killed in Englewood shooting
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.
