Arkansas teacher charged with killing couple who were hiking with their kids

Written by ANDREW DeMILLO, Associated Press

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A 28-year-old schoolteacher in Arkansas has been charged by police in the murder of a married couple who were hiking with their children at Devil’s Den State Park. After a five-day search and public appeals for trailgoers to review their photos, Andrew James McGann was located in a nearby city and taken into custody.

Col. Stacie Rhoads, commander of the state police department’s criminal investigation division, announced that McGann was arrested at a barbershop in Springdale. He is facing two counts of capital murder and is currently held without bond in Washington County jail.

Although the motive was not discussed by authorities during a Wednesday night press conference, McGann had been hired as a teacher candidate at Springdale Public Schools for the upcoming year. The school district confirmed that McGann had not yet interacted with any students or families.

No legal representation has been appointed for McGann at this time, and his first court appearance is scheduled for Friday.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders stated, “If you commit a violent, senseless act in our state, law enforcement will track you down and ensure justice is served, as the people of Arkansas deserve.”

Springdale, where McGann was apprehended, is approximately 30 miles north of Devil’s Den park, which remains closed following the tragic events on Saturday.

Law enforcement receives numerous tips

Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were discovered deceased on a hiking trail at Devil’s Den. Their daughters, aged 7 and 9, were unharmed and are under the care of relatives, according to authorities.

State Police have not disclosed specifics about the investigation, including the cause of the couple’s death. In the aftermath of the incident, a composite sketch and later a photo of a person of interest, captured from behind, were released by police. Trailgoers who had been at the park were urged to review their camera footage for any evidence that could lead to a suspect.

Rhoads acknowledged the crucial role played by the public and the video evidence they provided in the capture of McGann. Tips were received from as far as Washington state, she noted.

Suspect’s teaching background in Oklahoma

Prior to his role in Arkansas, McGann was a teacher in a small Oklahoma school district until May, when he resigned to pursue an opportunity in another state. Sand Springs Public Schools, near Tulsa, confirmed that McGann had passed all necessary background checks.

McGann had not yet commenced his new position at Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas, according to Jared Cleveland, the district superintendent. The district refrained from divulging additional details, citing the ongoing investigation.

Sierra Marcum recounted her son’s experience in McGann’s fourth-grade class in Flower Mound, Texas, three years ago, describing him as aloof and disinterested in his students. She mentioned that McGann’s communication with students was minimal and lacked engagement.

Victims had recently relocated before tragedy

Clinton and Cristen Brink had recently moved from South Dakota to Prairie Grove, a small city in northwest Arkansas. The mayor, David Faulk, mentioned that their water connection had been completed less than two weeks prior.