SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Authorities have arrested 28-year-old Andrew James McGann on charges of capital murder in connection with the fatal stabbings of a husband and wife at Devil’s Den State Park. McGann, an educator, was apprehended on Wednesday while getting a haircut at a local barbershop.
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The victims, Clinton and Cristen Brink, were attacked on July 26 while hiking with their two daughters, ages 7 and 9, at the popular state park in Arkansas. The children were unharmed in the incident. McGann is facing two counts of capital murder and could face the death penalty. No bond has been set.
McGann Hired to Teach at Springdale Public Schools
Springdale Public Schools (SPS) had recently hired McGann as a teacher for the 2024-2025 academic year, reports 5NewsOnline. However, a statement from SPS Superintendent Dr. Jared Cleveland clarified that McGann had not yet begun working for the district.
“This individual has not at any time come into contact with Springdale students or the families we serve,” Cleveland stated.
Dr. Cleveland expressed his condolences to the victims’ family and assured that more details would be shared as appropriate.
Investigators believe McGann had recently relocated to Springdale from Oklahoma. ABC News reports that he had previously worked as a fifth-grade teacher at Broken Arrow Public Schools during the 2023-2024 school year. A statement from Broken Arrow confirmed that McGann passed the legally required background checks before being hired but left the district during the school year.
Devil’s Den Murder Investigation and Arrest Details
Authorities allege that McGann fatally stabbed the Brink couple during their hike at Devil’s Den. Details surrounding the motive remain unclear. Police do not believe he knew the people he allegedly murdered, reports 4029TV.
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After identifying McGann as a suspect, detectives made the arrest while he was getting his hair cut at a local barbershop.
The arrest has prompted widespread attention, as law enforcement continues to investigate McGann’s actions leading up to and following the crime. Prosecutors are currently pursuing charges of capital murder.
