Suspect Arrested in Double Homicide at Arkansas State Park

Suspect Arrested in Double Homicide at Arkansas State Park

July 31, 2025 | Little Rock, Arkansas — Arkansas authorities announced the arrest of Andrew James McGann, 28, in connection with the brutal killings of Clinton David Brink (43) and Cristen Amanda Brink (41). The couple was attacked while hiking with their two young daughters at Devil’s Den State Park on July 26, prompting a statewide manhunt AP NewsAxiosNew York Post.

👨‍👧‍👧 A Tragic Day on the Trail

Clinton and Cristen were hiking with their daughters—ages seven and nine—when the killer struck. The children escaped unharmed and alerted park authorities after the attack Arkansas DPS+13AP News+13New York Post+13. Police earlier sought a suspect described as a white man of medium build, wearing sunglasses, a baseball cap, fingerless gloves, and carrying a black backpack. Witnesses reported seeing him leave in a black Mazda sedan with its license plate covered The Sun+3The Washington Post+3The Sun+3.

🚨 Arrest and Charges

McGann, a resident of Springdale who reportedly worked at a local school, was taken into custody outside a Springdale business shortly before 5 p.m. on Wednesday People.com+11AP News+11ABC News+11. He faces two counts of capital murder and is being held in Washington County Jail. No motive has been publicly disclosed New York Post+5AP News+5https://www.kgns.tv+5.

🏛️ Statement from Officials

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the event “senseless and horrific,” and praised law enforcement for their rapid, coordinated response CBS News+8AP News+8ABC News+8. Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagardescribed McGann as a “monster” and credited investigators with “bringing relief” to the victims' surviving children and the state at large AP News+4AP News+4New York Post+4.

🌲 About Devil’s Den State Park

Devil’s Den State Park—about 140 miles northwest of Little Rock—is a 2,500-acre forested area known for scenic hiking trails and limestone formations. Its remote and rugged terrain often limits cell phone coverage Arkansas DPS+12The Washington Post+12https://www.kgns.tv+12. Trails remain closed as the investigation continues.

💔 Remembering the Victims

The Brinks had recently relocated from South Dakota to Prairie Grove. Clinton was preparing to start a job delivering milk on Monday, while Cristen had been a licensed nurse in multiple states Axios+10AP News+10https://www.kgns.tv+10. Family statements described the couple as heroes for protecting their daughters in the moments before the attack AP News+5AP News+5The Sun+5.

🧭 Next Steps in the Investigation

The Arkansas State Police and FBI continue to delve into McGann’s background, potential motive, and possible connections to other incidents AP NewsAxios. Authorities are reviewing video footage, amateur photography, and sketches submitted by the public, some from as far away as Washington state AP News+2AP News+2https://www.kgns.tv+2. No further suspects have been named.

A Ridge family vacation turned tragic when a couple was killed while shielding their young daughters on a park trail. With the suspect now in custody, law enforcement is focusing on building a full case. As investigations proceed, both the local and wider community mourn a senseless loss—and express relief that justice may begin to bring closure.