On Wednesday, Andrew James McGann was arrested in connection to a double homicide at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas. Surveillance footage from Lupita’s Beauty Salon captured McGann, 28, in the middle of a haircut when officers from the Arkansas State Police (ASP) arrived to take him into custody. The video shows the arrest occurring without resistance as customers and salon staff looked on. McGann was charged with two counts of capital murder related to the deaths of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, whose bodies were discovered on a walking trail. The couple’s daughters, aged 7 and 9, escaped unharmed and are currently being cared for by family members.
ASP Director Col. Mike Hagar informed the public during a Thursday press conference that the Brinks died from stab wounds, with a knife identified as the murder weapon. He emphasized that there was no indication that the daughters were targeted, characterizing the incident as random. Hagar also revealed that McGann had sustained injuries during the attack, and investigators used blood found at the scene to help identify him. DNA evidence later confirmed his involvement, as McGann admitted to the murders during an interview with investigators. Following a search warrant executed at his home, items consistent with the crime were recovered, solidifying the link to the horrifying act.
Investigators found that McGann does not have any known adult criminal history, and no prior charges or convictions were uncovered. He had recently been a teacher in an Oklahoma school district but resigned in May to pursue a job in Arkansas, yet he had not yet started working at Springdale Public Schools when the incident occurred. The district superintendent confirmed that McGann had no interaction with students or their families during his brief tenure. However, a mother of a former student revealed that she had lodged complaints against McGann for inappropriate behavior toward younger girls, resulting in an investigation. Ultimately, McGann resigned following concerns regarding his classroom management and professional judgment.
The Brink family had only recently moved from South Dakota to Arkansas and had been enjoying their time at Devil’s Den State Park on that fateful day. Their bodies were discovered by authorities along a remote hiking trail, where their daughters were found physically unharmed but understandably traumatized. Reports indicate that Clinton was attacked first, and in a heroic act, Cristen led her daughters away to safety before returning to help her husband, ultimately leading to her tragic death as well.
In the wake of the incident, Major Stacey Rhodes stated that McGann had confessed to the crimes, making statements that indicated his guilt. Police secured search warrants for both his residence and vehicle, and while awaiting further forensic results, they confirmed that DNA collected at the crime scene matched McGann. This investigation has drawn substantial community interest, with over 500 tips submitted to law enforcement as they continue to pursue the case. Authorities are currently treating McGann as the sole suspect, indicating that no other individuals are being sought in connection to the murders.
Devil’s Den State Park, located around 140 miles northwest of Little Rock, features extensive hiking trails and stunning rock formations, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The tragic event that took place there has left a deep emotional impact on the local community and has garnered extensive media coverage. As the investigation unfolds, many are reflecting on the senseless nature of the violence that claimed the lives of Clinton and Cristen Brink, a couple who sought to enjoy a peaceful day in a beautiful setting with their children.
