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
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.