Washington County, AR — A peaceful family hike through Devil’s Den State Park turned into a nightmare on July 26, when a couple was brutally murdered in front of their two young daughters. Police say the attacker, now identified as 28-year-old former teacher Andrew James McGann, confessed to the killings and has been charged with two counts of capital murder.
Parents Killed, Children Spared in Shocking Attack
The victims, Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, and David Brink, 43, were found stabbed to death on a remote trail. The family had recently moved from South Dakota to Arkansas and were enjoying a hike with their two daughters, ages 7 and 9.
“We believe that the mother took them to safety and then returned to help her husband,” said Arkansas State Police Major Rhodes, describing how Cristen Brink was killed after leading the children away from danger.
Authorities confirmed the children were not physically harmed and are now in the care of family members.
Police Say DNA and Confession Led to Arrest
According to Arkansas State Police, blood located at the crime scene helped identify McGann as a suspect. Col. Mike Hagar said the attack appeared completely unprovoked.
“It appears to be a completely random event,” Hagar said in a press conference. “We have no reason to believe there was any known association between our suspect and our victims.”
Hagar confirmed that McGann was injured during the stabbing and that DNA recovered at the scene matched his profile. He added:
“Although everyone is innocent until proven guilty, we did confirm this morning that the suspect’s DNA is a positive match to the DNA recovered at the crime scene.”
McGann allegedly confessed during questioning and items consistent with the crime were recovered from his home during a search.
Teacher Had Troubled Work History But No Criminal Record
McGann previously worked for Sand Springs Public Schools in Oklahoma until May 2024, when he resigned. The district said he had passed all necessary background checks. However, a parent later came forward, alleging inappropriate behavior toward female students.
According to a letter from the district:
- McGann was placed on administrative leave over concerns about judgment and classroom management.
- An internal investigation found no evidence of inappropriate contact, but noted his conduct fell below expectations.
“Mr. McGann, on Wednesday afternoon, notified our Human Resources Department of his decision to resign his position, effective immediately,” the district said in a message to parents.
Superintendent Jared Cleveland of Springdale Public Schools confirmed McGann had not yet started his new position at the time of the murders.
“He has not at any time worked with students or their families,” Cleveland told Fox News.
“Our entire team extends our deepest condolences to the Brink family. Their children are especially in our thoughts and prayers.”
Arrest Made in Broad Daylight at Barbershop
McGann was arrested August 30 at Lupita’s Beauty Salon & Barber Shop in Springdale, while getting a haircut. Surveillance footage obtained by Fox News shows police entering the barbershop and placing McGann—wearing a black and white haircut cape—into handcuffs. He reportedly did not resist arrest.
“Nearby workers at the salon stood in silence as police took him into custody,” according to Fox News.
McGann is currently being held without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 25.
A Community in Shock
The alleged random nature of the attack has shaken the local community and raised safety concerns in one of Arkansas’s most visited family parks.
Key details about the case:
- No prior criminal history for McGann
- Confession, DNA, and physical evidence link him to the scene
- Children survived unharmed, thanks to their mother’s bravery
“During an interview with investigators, the suspect admitted to committing the murders,” Hagar said. “We also executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered items consistent with the crime.”
The investigation remains ongoing, but for now, authorities say there is no indication that the children or the family were specifically targeted.
How are you processing this horrifying case? Join the conversation in the comments.
