Teacher Charged with Capital Murder of Couple, Children Safe in Devil’s Den Arkansas

Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink were fatally attacked while hiking at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas, in front of their two young daughters who were unharmed and are now with relatives. The suspect, James Andrew McGann, 28, was arrested four days after the murders at a barbershop in Springdale, Arkansas, approximately 33 miles from the park; he faces two counts of capital murder with possible life imprisonment or the death penalty. McGann had recently moved to Arkansas from Oklahoma and was hired as a teacher in the local school district, though he had not yet started working. Witnesses described the suspect as wearing dark clothing, fingerless gloves, and carrying a black backpack; police believe he fled the park in a black Mazda with its license plate obscured. Authorities have not disclosed a motive or detailed information about the suspect’s injuries, but emphasize the investigation may extend beyond Arkansas due to the park’s location near multiple state borders. The Brink family has asked for privacy while grieving, honoring the couple as protectors of their children, and local school officials have expressed condolences and confirmed McGann passed background checks prior to employment.