A man has been arrested and charged in the murder of a husband and wife who were fatally attacked while hiking with their two young daughters in Arkansas.
James Andrew McGann, 28, of Springdale, was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon by Arkansas State Police special agents. He now faces two counts of capital murder in the deaths of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41.
The couple was killed on Saturday, July 26, while hiking a trail at Devil’s Den State Park in northwest Arkansas with their daughters, ages 7 and 9. According to state police, the girls were not harmed and are now with family.
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Authorities say McGann was arrested at a business in Springdale just days after the incident, following an intensive multi-agency investigation. ASP Colonel Mike Hagar credited the quick arrest to the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement.
“Because of their hard work and investigative skill, we were able to take a monster off the streets and bring relief to those two precious girls and the rest of our citizens,” Hagar said in a statement.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders also praised the arrest, saying, “While no news can undo the harm done to the Brink family, this arrest offers comfort and reassurance. We do not tolerate violent crime in Arkansas.”
Officials have not yet disclosed a motive for the killings. ASP Major Stacie Rhoads said the suspect had recently relocated from Oklahoma and was set to work at a local school.
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The arrest came just one day after police released a composite sketch of a person of interest in the double homicide. Authorities say more details about the investigation will be released as it progresses.
In a statement shared by local station KHBS-TV, the Brink family said Clinton and Cristen died “protecting their little girls” and urged anyone with information to come forward.
“They ask that if anyone has any information at all that will help in the investigation to please contact the proper authorities immediately. Clinton and Cristen died heroes… They will forever live in all of our hearts.”
In response to the tragedy, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis announced an increased law enforcement presence in state parks.
“We are deeply saddened by the events at Devil’s Den,” Lewis said. “Our hearts go out to the victims’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Arkansas State Police.
