A man has been apprehended in connection with the tragic double homicide of a couple who were killed while shielding their young daughters during a hike in Arkansas’ Devil’s Den State Park last Saturday. The arrest concludes an intense five-day search. The suspect, 28-year-old James Andrew McGann, was taken into custody on Wednesday in Springdale, Arkansas, and is facing two charges of capital murder, as per a statement from the Arkansas State Police.
The victims, 43-year-old Clinton David Brink and his wife, 41-year-old Cristen Amanda Brink, were enjoying a family hike with their two daughters, aged 7 and 9, in Devil’s Den State Park when they were reportedly attacked by a man believed to be McGann. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on the trail, according to authorities.
The couple’s children managed to escape the horrifying scene unscathed and later reported that their parents had been stabbed on the trail at the popular tourist spot, known for its caves and rock formations. The bodies of the heroic parents were discovered on the well-traveled hiking trail several hours after the brutal attack, prompting an urgent search for the perpetrator, who was described as a man wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, and fingerless weightlifting gloves.
The Brinks had recently relocated to Arkansas from South Dakota. Clinton was due to begin a new job as a milk delivery driver the following Monday, according to his employer. The motive behind the brutal killings remains unclear, but the arrest has been lauded by state officials.
While acknowledging that no news could alleviate the immense pain inflicted on the Brink family, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed relief at the arrest. She emphasized that those who target innocent people will be relentlessly pursued by law enforcement and brought to justice.
Local law enforcement has labeled McGann a “monster” and commended investigators for their swift action. State police Col. Mike Hagar praised the investigative team for their hard work and skill, stating that their efforts had removed a dangerous individual from the streets and brought some relief to the victims’ daughters and the community.