On July 30, 2025, police arrested Andrew James McGann in connection with the brutal murders of two parents while hiking with their two young daughters at Devil’s Den State Park in northwest Arkansas. McGann’s motive has not been disclosed, but emerging details have led to speculation that he may have targeted the two young girls.
McGann, 28, an elementary school teacher, had recently relocated from Oklahoma and had been hired by Springdale Public Schools, about 32 miles away from Devil’s Den, for the upcoming school year, but had not yet started or interacted with students or families.
McGann is accused of killing Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, on July 26. The Brinks’ daughters, ages 7 and 9, reportedly witnessed the attack. Police have not said if McGann had any connection to the family. The Brinks reportedly just moved to Arkansas.
McGann’s checkered work history
Deeply disturbing: James Andrew McGann—the suspect in the Arkansas Devil’s Den double homicide—was previously a 4th grade teacher at Donald Elementary. It’s been reported that after concerns about inappropriate behavior were raised, he was allowed to quietly resign.
— Chelar (@ChelarVale) July 31, 2025
He later… pic.twitter.com/ZHnzTcKDta
Before Springdale Public Schools hired McGann, he taught 5th grade at Spring Creek Elementary in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, during the 2023‑24 school year, but left the district voluntarily in May 2025 to take the job in Arkansas. Reports say he passed all background checks at each point.
However, according to a CBS News report, three years ago, McGann taught in Flower Mound, Texas. At that time, administrators placed him on leave while investigating complaints about his in-class behaviors, including touching young girls, making inappropriate comments, and asking them to sit on his lap. The investigation ultimately found no evidence of inappropriate behavior with a student, though it flagged concerns about his professional judgment and classroom conduct.
Police arrested McGann in a hair salon chair
#devilsden suspect James Andrew McGann’s online dating profile.
— Tony Brueski (@tonybpod) July 31, 2025
How many “swipe rights” do you think this monster got? pic.twitter.com/pA0q6f9qgY
After the Devil’s Den murders, a sketch and other images of a suspect were released to the public, along with extensive camera footage, leading to a five‑day manhunt. The suspect was described as a white male of medium build, wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, and a dark baseball cap. He also wore sunglasses and fingerless gloves, and reports say he carried a black backpack.
Meanwhile, witnesses observed the suspect leaving Devil’s Den in a black, four-door sedan (possibly a Mazda) with the license plate covered by tape, described consistently as either duct or electrical tape. Authorities confirm the same: the plate was partly covered by tape, making it unreadable when seen departing the scene, suggesting the killings were premeditated.
Police arrested McGann at a salon in Springdale, Arkansas, about 30 miles away from Devil’s Den. His mugshot showed him with his hair salon apron still on.
He was transported to the Washington County Jail and booked on two counts of capital murder. No weapons were recovered at the time of the arrest, and authorities have not publicly stated whether he confessed or provided any statement.
