Arkansas State Police arrested James Andrew McGann, a 28-year-old Springdale resident, on Wednesday in connection with a double homicide at Devil’s Den State Park, according to WREG. McGann, who was taken into custody at a local business, has been charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41.
The arrest follows an intense search by law enforcement after the Brinks were attacked last Saturday during a hike with their two young daughters, reported Action News 5. The children, aged 7 and 9, were thankfully found unharmed and are currently being cared for by family members. As the suspect was being held without bond, details of how the couple was killed have yet to be disclosed by authorities.
In a statement obtained by FOX13 Memphis, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed her relief following McGann's arrest: "No news can heal the enormous harm done to the Brink family in last weekend's crime, but this announcement is a comfort and reassurance for our State. I am so proud of the Arkansas State Police, Park Rangers, local law enforcement, and other who have worked nonstop since last weekend to capture this suspect."
Colonel Mike Hagar of the Arkansas State Police lauded the cooperative effort leading to the swift arrest, stating, "Because of their hard work and investigative skill, we were able to take a monster off the streets, and bring relief to those two precious girls, and the rest of our citizens." According to WREG, McGann's arrest came just two days after a composite sketch of the suspect was released by the Arkansas State Police. In light of these events, Arkansans have been urged by the governor to offer prayers for the law enforcement community and condolences for the victims.
James Andrew McGann is set to appear at the Washington County Circuit Court on Friday, August 1, at 7:45 a.m. Further details surrounding the case and the potential motive behind the attack remain under investigation, as law enforcement continues to work on the case.
