Authorities in Arkansas have announced an arrest connected to the tragic killing of Clinton David Brink and his wife, Cristen Amanda Brink. The couple was fatally attacked while hiking with their two young daughters in Devil’s Den State Park on July 26.
The Brinks, who recently moved from South Dakota to Prairie Grove, were on a popular trail with their daughters aged seven and nine when the violent incident happened around 2:30 pm. Thankfully, the children escaped unharmed and reported the attack to park officials.
After an intense five-day search that involved tips from as far as Washington State, police arrested 28-year-old James Andrew McGann at a Springdale hair salon on July 30. McGann, a former teacher, now faces two counts of capital murder.
Authorities have yet to disclose a motive. McGann had recently moved to Arkansas from Oklahoma and was expected to begin work at Springdale Public Schools but had not interacted with any students.
Police and state officials praised the cooperation among law enforcement agencies that led to McGann’s capture, bringing relief to the family and community. The Brink family issued a statement calling their loved ones “heroes” who protected their daughters.
McGann is currently held at Washington County jail, and the investigation continues.
