Cause of Death Revealed for Ark. Couple Killed in Front of Their 2 Young Daughters

Authorities have confirmed that Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were fatally stabbed while hiking with their two young daughters in Arkansas’ Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday, July 26.

The Arkansas State Police announced Thursday that the couple’s deaths were caused by stab wounds, and described the killings as a “completely random event.” Officials said they have no evidence that the suspect, identified as 28-year-old James Andrew McGann of Springdale, Ark., knew the victims.

McGann, a local schoolteacher, was taken into custody Wednesday and charged with two counts of capital murder.

“We have no reason to believe there was any prior connection between the suspect and the victims,” said Col. Mike Hagar during a press briefing.

According to investigators, Clinton Brink was attacked first. Cristen is believed to have rushed their two daughters—ages 7 and 9—to safety before returning to help her husband. She was then fatally stabbed. The children were not physically harmed and are now in the care of family members.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive. The murder weapon, a knife, was recovered at the scene.

The family had recently relocated to Prairie Grove, Ark. Police received a report of a double homicide at the state park Saturday afternoon and located the couple’s bodies on a trail shortly afterward.

The Brinks leave behind three daughters, including an older daughter who was not with the family at the time of the attack.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the children and help with funeral expenses.

The tragedy has shocked the local community and reignited concerns about safety in public parks. Investigators are continuing to piece together the timeline of the crime, and McGann remains in custody pending formal court proceedings.