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22h ago

Teacher Charged in Devil’s Den State Park Murders Denied Bond, Faces Death Penalty

Held without bond after admitting to the murders with DNA evidence tying him to the scene, Andrew James McGann is scheduled for arraignment on Aug. 25 with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.

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Andrew McGann is seen in a booking photo shortly after he was arrested at a hair salon in Springdale, Arkansas.
An Arkansas Park Ranger patrols the South Entrance of Devils Den State Park Monday, July 28, 2025, in West Fork, Ark. Police in Arkansas are searching for a suspect in the deaths of a couple who investigators said were attacked while on a wooded walking trail with their two young daughters.
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Overview

  • Andrew James McGann, 28, is charged with two counts of capital murder in the July 26 stabbing deaths of Clinton and Cristen Brink while they hiked with their two young daughters at Devil’s Den State Park.
  • Authorities arrested McGann on July 30 at a Springdale barbershop after a five-day manhunt that followed the release of a composite sketch and hundreds of public tips.
  • Investigators say McGann admitted to the killings during a police interview and matched his DNA to blood recovered at the crime scene.
  • During his first court appearance on Aug. 1, McGann was denied bond, assigned a public defender and told he will face arraignment on Aug. 25.
  • Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty and investigators continue to probe his motive as state park trails remain closed and patrols have been increased.