Springdale Man Arrested in Double Homicide of Married Couple at Devil’s Den State Park

Incident Overview

• On Saturday, July 26, 2025, around 2:40 p.m., Arkansas State Police (ASP) were notified of a double homicide at Devil’s Den State Park in Washington County. A 43-year-old man (Clinton David Brink) and a 41-year-old woman (Cristen Amanda Brink) were found dead on a hiking trail during a family outing with their daughters aged 7 and 9

• The couple had recently moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from out of state. The parents were described by their family as having died as heroes protecting their children The girls were unharmed and remain in the care of relatives

🔍 Investigation & Person of Interest

• ASP released a composite sketch and photo of a man seen near the crime scene. He was described as:

  • White male, medium build

  • Wearing dark clothing, rolled-up long sleeves, dark ball cap, sunglasses, fingerless or weightlifting gloves, carrying a black backpack

  • Possibly wounded during the attack

  • Last seen departing in a black four‑door sedan (possibly a Mazda) with license plates apparently obscured by tape, traveling toward Highway 170 or 220 ASP highlighted the remote and rugged terrain of the trail area, where cellphone service was absent. Park trails remain closed while the investigation is underway

👮 Suspect Arrested

• On Wednesday, July 30 (early UTC), 28‑year‑old Andrew James McGann, a resident of Springdale, was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder in connection to the killings

• The arrest came after a five‑day manhunt, aided by public tips and video evidence—including footage from as far away as Washington state

• Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the killings

• McGann was previously employed at a school and had recently moved to the area. He is being held in Washington County jail, and no court appearance date has been publicized yet

• Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and ASP officials praised the swift collaboration and expressed condolences to the victims’ family

🧾 Victims & Community Impact

• The victims, Clinton David Brink (43) and Cristen Amanda Brink (41), had relocated recently for a fresh start. Clinton was about to begin a new job, and Cristen was a licensed nurse

• Their daughters, 7 and 9, reportedly alerted authorities and helped ensure their own safety before being taken in by relativesThe local and state level of law enforcement, along with the FBI, were involved in the response and follow-through of the investigation

📝 Summary of Key Details

⚠️ Ongoing Developments

• ASP has appealed to anyone present at the park on July 26 to review and submit any cell‑phone, GoPro, or security‑camera footage—but not to post content online, to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation Devil’s Den State Park remains closed pending further investigation

🤝 Final Thoughts

This case is a deeply tragic and disturbing assault on a family on an otherwise peaceful afternoon hike. The swift arrest of Andrew James McGann, following wide community cooperation and law enforcement coordination, brings a measure of relief—but many questions remain, including motives and details of the crime. The ASP continues to request public assistance and is working closely with federal agencies to pursue justice.

We will update this page as new, verified details emerge.