What started as a quiet weekend at one of Arkansas’s most scenic parks ended in unimaginable tragedy.
A married couple enjoying a hike at Devil’s Den State Park was brutally killed in front of their two young daughters, prompting a multi-day manhunt that has finally led to an arrest.
Arrest Made While Suspect Was Getting a Haircut
On Wednesday, Arkansas State Police announced the arrest of 28-year-old James Andrew McGann, a man from Springdale.
Officers found him while he was in the middle of getting a haircut and took him into custody.
He now faces two capital murder charges for the deaths of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41.
So far, investigators haven’t revealed any motive behind the attack.
Two Young Daughters Left Without Their Parents
The Brinks were found dead on Saturday along a walking trail in Devil’s Den State Park.
Their daughters, aged just 7 and 9, witnessed the horror but were not physically harmed.
The girls are now staying with family members, according to authorities.
Intense Search Led by State Police and FBI
For five days, law enforcement worked around the clock to identify and locate the killer.
Arkansas State Police shared a composite sketch and even a photo from behind of the person of interest.
A black sedan—believed to be linked to the case—was also spotted in the park with duct tape covering its license plate, which raised immediate red flags.
They also stated the attacker might have been injured during the assault, though they didn’t share specifics.
Law Enforcement Applauded for Fast Action
Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar credited the teamwork between multiple agencies, including federal partners, for helping catch McGann quickly.
“I’m beyond thankful for the tireless work our agents put in to bring justice to this family,” he said.
“Their efforts helped take a monster off the streets and provided some measure of relief for those two little girls.”
Governor Sanders Speaks Out
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders also addressed the public following the arrest, expressing both sadness and gratitude.
“No update can undo the heartbreak this family is feeling,” she said. “But this news brings a sense of closure and justice.
I’m incredibly proud of every law enforcement officer who worked around the clock to track this suspect down.”
She encouraged Arkansans to pray for both the brave officers and the Brink family, adding that Arkansas has zero tolerance for violent crime.
A Family Starting Over in Arkansas
The Brinks had only recently settled in Prairie Grove, a small town in northwest Arkansas.
According to Mayor David Faulk, their water service had only just been connected two weeks earlier.
Clinton was preparing to start a new job as a milk delivery driver for Hiland Dairy on Monday.
Cristen, a licensed nurse in both Montana and South Dakota, was beginning a new chapter in Arkansas too.
Their family has called them “heroes” for shielding their children during the attack.
Devil’s Den: From Natural Beauty to Crime Scene
Devil’s Den State Park, where the attack occurred, spans over 2,500 acres and is known for its dramatic rock formations and trails leading into the Ozark National Forest.
It’s located about 140 miles northwest of Little Rock and just a short drive from both the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville.
As of Wednesday, the park’s hiking trails remain closed as investigators continue their work at the scene.
What’s Next?
While James McGann is now in custody, many questions remain unanswered.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how the Brinks were killed or what may have prompted such a vicious attack.
But for now, the focus is on seeking justice for a family torn apart and supporting two little girls who just lost their world.
