Arkansas State Police hold news conference following arrest of suspect Andrew James McGann

A 28-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in the killings of a married couple in front of their children at Devil’s Den State Park over the weekend, Arkansas officials said.

Arkansas State Police arrested Andrew James McGann of Springdale and charged him with two counts of capital murder.

Police have not released a possible motive.

Arkansas State Police full press conference from July 31, 2025, is available in the link below:

Former Oklahoma Teacher

Broken Arrow Public Schools released a statement on the arrest of McGann:

"The man who was arrested in Arkansas for the murders at Devils Den State Park was a teacher for Broken Arrow Public Schools during the 23/24 school year. He was a 5th grade teacher at Spring Creek Elementary during the 23/24 school year and left of his own accord to work out of state. As with all employees hired by the district, he was subjected to and passed the legally required background checks prior to being hired.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family affected by this unimaginable act of violence."

Sand Springs Public Schools also confirmed McGann previously worked in their district.

"Sand Springs Public Schools is aware of the recent arrest of a former employee. Andrew McGann was employed at Sand Springs Public Schools from the summer of 2024 to May 2025. At the end of the 2024-25 school year, McGann resigned his position to move out of state. The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.

"Every employee undergoes a mandatory background check for the district when they are hired. Additionally, each teacher undergoes a background check for the Oklahoma State Department of Education. McGann passed all background checks. While SSPS has not yet been contacted by authorities regarding this matter, the district has and will always comply with requests from law enforcement in any investigation.

"Our hearts are with the family and loved ones who have suffered this tragic loss."

A lawyer couldn’t be located for McGann, and a message was left for a number listed for him. State Police said they had recently moved to the area and were working at a school. He was being held in the Washington County jail on Wednesday. It was not immediately clear when his first court appearance would be.

"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," Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a news conference Wednesday night.

Victims Identified

Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were found dead Saturday on a walking trail at Devil’s Den. Their daughters, who are 7 and 9, were not hurt and are being cared for by family members, authorities have said.

Police had released a composite sketch and photo of a person of interest they were searching for in the attack. They also noted the suspect may have been injured while attacking the couple, though no further details were provided.

A few additional details have been released about how the couple was killed. The FBI is assisting in the investigation.

Multi-Agency Investigation

Col. Mike Hagar, head of the Arkansas State Police, praised law enforcement efforts that led to McGann’s arrest.

"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," Hagar said.

Col. Stacie Rhoads, commander of the State Police criminal investigation division, said public tips and video footage played a crucial role in identifying and locating McGann. She said tips came in from as far away as Washington state.

"It was overwhelming," Rhoads said.

The Brinks had recently moved from South Dakota to Prairie Grove in northwest Arkansas. Their water service had been connected less than two weeks ago, Mayor David Faulk said.

Clinton Brink had been scheduled to start a job as a milk delivery driver on Monday in the Fayetteville area, according to Hiland Dairy. Cristen Brink had been licensed as a nurse in Montana and South Dakota before moving to Arkansas.

The Brink family said the couple died "heroes protecting their little girls."

Park Remains Closed

"Our entire state is grieving for the tragic loss and senseless and horrific crime that’s taken place in this area," Sanders said.

Devil’s Den is a 2,500-acre state park near West Fork, about 140 miles northwest of Little Rock. Known for its hiking trails and rock formations, it was selected as a state park site in the 1930s and draws visitors from across the region.

The park’s trails remained closed Wednesday as the investigation continued.