Arkansas teacher accused of killing couple at Devil’s Den park

Authorities in Arkansas reported that a family hike turned tragic when a 28-year-old schoolteacher allegedly killed a married couple in front of their children at Devil’s Den State Park.

The Arkansas State Police (ASP) arrested Andrew James McGann at a barbershop in Springdale at 4:57 p.m. on Wednesday. McGann was in the middle of a haircut when officers from ASP located him after the fatal attack on Saturday.

McGann faces two counts of capital murder for the deaths of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, who were found dead on a walking trail. Their daughters, aged 7 and 9, were unharmed and are now under the care of family members, according to authorities.

Here is a timeline of the information gathered so far about the suspect and the incident:

Saturday, July 26

2:30 p.m. CDT — A 911 call was made from Devil’s Den State Park reporting an assault on a hiking trail. Emergency Medical Services and ASP responded.

Shortly after — Search teams discovered Clinton and Cristen Brink deceased from apparent stab wounds. Their daughters were found nearby, safe but traumatized.

Evening — ASP confirmed a double homicide at the state park and issued a manhunt alert for an unidentified male suspect.

ARKANSAS HIKERS KILLED: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT TEACHER CHARGED WITH MURDERING COUPLE IN FRONT OF CHILDREN

Sunday, July 27 – Monday, July 28

The victims were identified as Clinton and Cristen Brink, who had recently moved to the region from South Dakota. Police stated that the family was attacked in what appeared to be a “random” assault during their hike.

ASP released a sketch and description of the suspect, described as a white male in his late 20s wearing rolled-up long sleeves, gloves, and carrying a black backpack.

Investigators are urging visitors to the park on Saturday to review their cellphone photos and videos or GoPro footage for images of the suspect. Residents in the area surrounding the park are asked to notify ASP if they have access to security and game camera footage, according to ASP.

“I want to thank the public and our media partners for their support as we pursue the man responsible for this heinous crime,” said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. “We are utilizing all available resources to apprehend this suspect and bring him to justice.”

WATCH MCGANN’S ARREST:

Wednesday, July 30

2:30 p.m. CDT — Authorities apprehended McGann at a barbershop in Springdale. Authorities received “over 500” tips and surveillance video leading to his capture.

Evidence linking McGann to the crime scene was recovered from his car and home, as per police reports.

ARKANSAS MAN CHARGED WITH CAPITAL MURDER AFTER KILLING PARENTS IN FRONT OF DAUGHTERS AT DEVIL’S DEN STATE PARK

Approximately 7 p.m. CDT – McGann was booked into the Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was being held without bond.

Statements from McGann’s former employers:

McGann was a teacher in a small Oklahoma school district until May when he resigned to accept a position in another state, according to a statement from Sand Springs Public Schools provided to Fox News Digital. The district confirmed that McGann had passed all background checks.

“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” stated Lissa Chidester, director of communications. “While SSPS has not been contacted by authorities regarding this matter yet, the district will comply with any requests from law enforcement in any investigation. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss.”

McGann had not yet started his new job in Arkansas at Springdale Public Schools, as confirmed by Jared Cleveland, the district superintendent. Cleveland mentioned that McGann had no contact with students or their families. He refrained from providing further details due to the ongoing investigation.

“Our entire team extends our deepest condolences to the Brink family,” added Cleveland. “Their children are especially in our thoughts and prayers.”

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A mother of a former student shared an email from McGann’s previous school district with Fox News. In 2023, she filed a complaint with the superintendent after her son witnessed McGann behaving inappropriately towards younger females.

In response, parents received a letter from the district stating that McGann was placed on administrative leave while complaints of poor classroom management and professional judgment were investigated.

Although the investigation did not find evidence of inappropriate behavior toward a student, it concluded that McGann’s classroom management and judgment did not meet district expectations. Shortly after, McGann resigned.

“Mr. McGann, on Wednesday afternoon, notified our Human Resources Department of his decision to resign his position, effective immediately,” the email stated. “We will have a substitute teacher in his class for the rest of the school year.”

MANHUNT INTENSIFIES FOR ARKANSAS SUSPECT LIKELY INJURED IN FATAL ATTACK OF COUPLE

Thursday, July 31

McGann was officially charged with two counts of capital murder. Police reported that he confessed during questioning.

“Although everyone is innocent until proven guilty, we did confirm this morning that the suspect’s DNA is a positive match to the DNA recovered at the crime scene,” said Hagar. “During an interview with investigators, the suspect admitted to committing the murders. We also executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered items consistent with the crime.”

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Authorities stated that the suspect has no known adult criminal history. They have not discovered any prior charges or convictions. Investigators believe the attack was random and have not determined a motive.

“It appears to be a completely random event,” mentioned Hagar. “We have no reason to believe there was any known association between our suspect and our victims.”

Hagar revealed that McGann sustained “injuries” during the attack. The blood found at the scene helped authorities locate the suspect.

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Police indicated that Clinton Brink was attacked first, followed by Cristen, who ran their two young children back to the vehicle before returning to help her husband, where she was also fatally attacked.

“We believe that the mother took them to safety and then returned to help her husband,” stated Major Stacey Rhodes.

WATCH MCGANN’S FIRST COURT APPEARANCE:

Friday, Aug. 1

9 a.m. CDT — McGann appeared in Washington County Circuit Court for a preliminary hearing. He was formally informed of his rights and the charges against him.

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Prosecutors confirmed that he is being held without bond, and a public defender was assigned. Arraignment has been scheduled for Aug. 25, 2025.

Fox News’ Brooke Taylor contributed to this report.