Ex-teacher now accused of killing couple hiking with kids in park, AR cops say
Police in Arkansas have made an arrest in connection with a couple killed while hiking with their young daughters.
James Andrew McGann, 28, is charged with two counts of capital murder, according to a July 30 news release from the Arkansas State Police.
The arrest comes after Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were attacked and killed while hiking with their 7- and 9-year-old daughters at Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork on July 26, according to a news release from Arkansas State Police.
The daughters were not injured, according to police.
After the couple was found dead on a trail, authorities put out a description of the suspect they were looking for and released a photo and composite sketch of the man.
Around 5 p.m. July 30, McGann was taken into custody in Springdale.
McGann was a teacher for Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma during the 2023/2024 school year, according to KHBS.
“He was a 5th grade teacher at Spring Creek Elementary during the 23/24 school year and left of his own accord to work out of state. As with all employees hired by the district, he was subjected to and passed the required background checks prior to being hired. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family affected by this unimaginable act of violence,” a spokesperson for Broken Arrow told KFTA.
Police do not believe McGann knew the couple he’s accused of attacking, authorities said at a news conference, according to KHBS. A motive has not been released.
