LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Authorities in Arkansas arrested a suspect on Wednesday in a tragic incident that left a married couple dead in front of their children at Devil’s Den State Park over the weekend. A man from Springdale, identified as 28-year-old Andrew James McGann, is facing two charges of capital murder.
The suspect, McGann, was apprehended by the Arkansas State Police, but officials have yet to disclose a motive. Attempts to reach a lawyer for McGann were unsuccessful, and a message was left at a listed number for him. Recently relocated to the area, McGann was employed at a school and is currently being held at the Washington County Jail. Details on his initial court appearance remain unclear.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders addressed the media on Wednesday night, emphasizing the state’s commitment to justice, “If you commit a violent, senseless act here in our state, our law enforcement will hunt you down and bring you to justice, because that’s what the people of Arkansas frankly deserve.”
The victims, Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were found deceased on a walking trail at Devil’s Den Park. Their daughters, aged 7 and 9, were present during the incident but unharmed and are now with family. Police had previously publicized a sketch and photo to locate a person of interest, noting that the suspect might have sustained injuries during the assault.
Details about the exact nature or method of the couple’s death have not been released. The FBI’s Little Rock office is aiding in the ongoing investigation. State Police Col. Mike Hagar commended the efforts of law enforcement, saying, “Because of their hard work and investigative skill, we were able to take a monster off the streets and bring relief to those two precious girls, and the rest of our citizens.”
Col. Stacie Rhoads, leading the State Police criminal investigation division, highlighted the importance of public assistance in the case. They received numerous tips and video evidence, even from as far as Washington state.
The Brink family, who had recently moved from South Dakota to a new home in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, tragically lost Clinton and Cristen in what they described as a heroic act to protect their daughters. Clinton was set to begin work as a milk delivery driver, while Cristen had nursing licenses from Montana and South Dakota.
Governor Sanders expressed the collective grief of the state over the horrendous crime and the loss it inflicted, saying, “Our entire state is grieving for the tragic loss and senseless and horrific crime that’s taken place in this area.”
Devil’s Den State Park, spanning 2,500 acres, is located near West Fork, approximately 140 miles northwest of Little Rock. Known for its scenic hiking trails and rock formations, the park is a popular destination within short distance from Fayetteville and Bentonville, location of the University of Arkansas and Walmart’s headquarters, respectively. As of Wednesday, trails leading to the Ozark National Forest within the park remain closed.
In an update to correct previous information, authorities clarified the suspect’s name is Andrew James McGann, reversing a prior spelling as James Andrew McGann by State Police.