LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – A teacher identified as Andrew James McGann, 28, has been charged with two counts of capital murder for the fatal stabbing of a couple, Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas. The attack took place on a hiking trail on Saturday, and McGann is being held without bond pending his first court appearance at the Washington County Detention Center.
Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind this brutal and seemingly random attack that caught the attention of law enforcement and the public alike. Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar described the incident as possibly one of the most heinous in his 27 years with the Department, particularly noting its randomness.
The Brinks were reportedly hiking with their two daughters, aged 7 and 9, at the time of the attack. Clinton was stabbed first half a mile into the park, after which Cristen attempted to secure the safety of their children before returning to help her husband, ultimately leading to her own death. The children, fortunately, were unharmed and are currently being cared for by family members. Details about whether they witnessed the traumatic events have not been disclosed by authorities.
Following a five-day investigation, during which police received hundreds of tips and collected photos and videos from other hikers, McGann was apprehended at a barbershop in Springdale, approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of the park. His arrest was swift, occurring shortly after authorities identified him as a suspect based on surveillance footage showing a vehicle with tape over the license plate. McGann reportedly admitted to the killings during his arrest and has had his DNA matched to evidence found at the crime scene.
The prosecution, represented by Washington County Prosecutor Brandon Carter, has indicated that they may pursue the death penalty in this case. At this time, it is unclear if McGann has legal representation or if he will require a public defender, as attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful. Notably, he has no prior criminal record.
McGann has been a teacher with active licenses in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, with no reported infractions or suspensions. However, he was placed on administrative leave in the spring of 2023 while teaching at Donald Elementary School in Flower Mound, Texas, due to concerns regarding his classroom management and professional judgment. He resigned from that position in May 2023 and had taught at an Oklahoma school district until May 2025, passing all background checks in the process.
The Brink family had only recently moved from South Dakota to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and Clinton was set to begin a new job as a milk delivery driver. Cristen, a licensed nurse in Montana and South Dakota, also had plans for her career in Arkansas. The family has issued a statement recognizing the bravery of Clinton and Cristen, stating that they died "heroes protecting their little girls."
This shocking crime has stirred deep emotional responses among the community and law enforcement due to the apparent randomness and brutality of the attack, highlighting concerns about safety in public spaces. The ramifications of this incident will likely continue to unfold as the legal proceedings advance.
