A family hike turned into a nightmare when a married couple was brutally killed while exploring Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas — right in front of their two young daughters.
On Saturday, July 26, Clinton Brink, 43, and his wife Cristen Brink, 41, were attacked while hiking a trail in the park with their daughters, ages 7 and 9. Miraculously, the children were not harmed, but their lives have been shattered.
Authorities have now arrested 28-year-old James Andrew McGann in connection with the double homicide. He was taken into custody on July 30 at a business in Springdale, Arkansas, and is facing two counts of capital murder.
According to investigators, McGann had recently moved from Oklahoma and had just been hired to work at a local school. Officials are still working to determine a motive for the senseless killings.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement following the arrest, calling the crime “horrific” and praising law enforcement for their relentless work. “Let there be no mistake – we do not tolerate violent crime in Arkansas,” she said. “If you target innocent people, law enforcement will hunt you down and bring you to justice.”
The couple had only recently relocated to Arkansas, hoping to build a new life with their daughters. Clinton’s sister told NBC News that the family had just moved to the area about three weeks before the attack.
In a heartbreaking statement to local news, the Brink family said Clinton and Cristen “died heroes protecting their little girls.” They are now asking for privacy as they grieve and called on the public to come forward with any information that could help the investigation.
The arrest comes after police released a composite sketch of a man seen in the area on the day of the murders. Authorities credit the cooperation between state and local law enforcement with helping track down the suspect quickly.
“We were able to take a monster off the streets and bring relief to those two precious girls,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar.
Officials also announced that there would be increased law enforcement presence at Arkansas state parks moving forward.
The Brinks’ tragic deaths have devastated their family, their new community, and the many who are left stunned by the senseless violence. Their daughters are now with relatives as the family begins to cope with unimaginable loss.
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Author: thedailycrime1
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