School teacher arrested in fatal shooting of couple at Arkansas’s Devil’s Den State Park
Written: July 31, 2025, 16:30 U.S. Eastern Time
A 28-year-old schoolteacher has been arrested and charged with capital murder after a tragic double homicide at Devil’s Den State Park in northwest Arkansas. The victims, a married couple hiking with their young daughters, were killed in what authorities describe as a “senseless and violent act.” The arrest follows an intensive multi-state investigation and a public appeal for assistance that led to crucial tips.
Teacher arrested after multi-day manhunt
Andrew James McGann, a former teacher from Oklahoma who had recently been hired by Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas, was apprehended on Wednesday in Springdale, approximately 30 miles from Devil’s Den. He is facing two counts of capital murder and is being held without bond in Washington County Jail.
According to Arkansas State Police, McGann was captured at a local barbershop following a five-day search. His arrest was announced during a press conference by Col. Stacie Rhoads, head of the department’s criminal investigation division.
The Springdale School District confirmed that McGann had not yet started working or interacted with students, as he was newly hired for the upcoming school year.
“This was a horrific crime, and we are committed to delivering justice,” Rhoads stated. “The public’s help was instrumental in identifying and capturing the suspect.”
Victims remembered as devoted parents
The victims have been identified as Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41. The couple had recently moved to Arkansas from South Dakota and were hiking with their two daughters, aged 7 and 9, when they were killed on Saturday.
The girls were not harmed and are now under the care of relatives, according to authorities.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed her condolences to the family and commended law enforcement agencies for their quick response. “This senseless act of violence will not be tolerated. We are committed to ensuring justice is served for the Brink family and their children,” she said.
Details on how the attack occurred have not yet been made public, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Public tips and trail footage lead to breakthrough
In the days following the incident, authorities released a composite sketch and later a photo of a person of interest captured on a trail camera. The image, taken from behind, was shared widely through media and law enforcement channels.
Trailgoers who were in the park that weekend were asked to review their photos and videos for anything suspicious. According to Col. Rhoads, that request led to an outpouring of tips from across the country, including as far as Washington state.
“It was truly overwhelming,” Rhoads said. “Thanks to modern technology and community cooperation, we were able to bring this suspect into custody quickly.”
Suspect had clean record and taught in multiple states
Before moving to Arkansas, McGann had taught in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, where he reportedly passed all standard background checks. He also previously worked in Flower Mound, Texas, teaching fourth-grade students.
The Sand Springs Public School District confirmed his employment history and resignation earlier this year.
Some former parents have now come forward to describe their experiences. One parent, Sierra Marcum, recalled McGann as “disengaged” and “cold” in his interactions with students. “He never showed much interest in teaching or the kids,” she told local reporters.
Springdale Public Schools Superintendent Jared Cleveland released a statement expressing deep sadness and extending condolences to the victims’ family. “Our team is shocked and heartbroken. We stand with the Brink children and their loved ones during this tragic time,” he said.
Family was just beginning a new life in Arkansas
The Brinks had recently relocated to Prairie Grove, a small community in northwest Arkansas. Mayor David Faulk confirmed that the family’s water service had only been activated two weeks prior to the incident.
Clinton Brink had accepted a job with Hiland Dairy and was scheduled to begin work the following Monday. Cristen Brink was a licensed nurse in Montana and South Dakota. It remains unclear whether she had secured local employment before her death.
In a statement released through authorities, the Brink family remembered Clinton and Cristen as “loving parents who died protecting their daughters.”
Devil’s Den remains closed amid investigation
Devil’s Den State Park, located near West Fork, has remained closed to the public since Saturday’s attack. No reopening date has been announced. The park is one of Arkansas’s most visited natural attractions, known for its hiking trails, caves, and rock formations nestled within the Ozark National Forest.
The park, established in the 1930s, attracts thousands of visitors each year due to its scenic beauty and proximity to Fayetteville and Bentonville, home to the University of Arkansas and Walmart headquarters, respectively.
Officials have said that public safety remains a top priority, and park security procedures are being reviewed in light of the tragedy.
Legal process underway as case unfolds
McGann is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday, where formal charges will be presented. As of now, no legal counsel has been publicly identified to represent him, and attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful.
Investigators have indicated that more information will be released in due time, including potential motive, forensic evidence, and further developments as the legal process advances.
Governor Sanders emphasized the importance of accountability in her remarks: “Arkansas grieves alongside the Brink family. We will not rest until justice is served, and we will do everything possible to ensure the safety of our communities.”
Source: AP News – Arkansas teacher charged with killing couple who were hiking in Devil’s Den with their kids
