Arkansas man arrested for double murder of couple at Devil’s Den State Park
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 31, 2025, 23:34 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Highlight of the story: James Andrew McGann has been arrested and charged with the capital murder of Clinton and Cristen Brink at Devil's Den State Park. The couple was tragically attacked while hiking with their two young daughters, who were unharmed. The arrest followed a multi-day manhunt, with authorities praising the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and vowing justice for the victims.
James Andrew McGann, a 28-year-old man from Springdale, Arkansas, has been arrested and charged in connection with the brutal murders of Clinton and Cristen Brink at Devil’s Den State Park. The couple was attacked while hiking with their two young daughters, ages 7 and 9, who were fortunately left unharmed during the incident. The tragic event unfolded on Saturday, July 26, 2025, sparking a multi-day manhunt led by the Arkansas State Police. Authorities announced McGann's arrest on Wednesday, July 30, at 4:57 PM CDT. He was taken into custody at a business in Springdale, a city located in the northwest region of the state.
McGann now faces two counts of capital murder. While investigators have yet to determine a motive, both state and federal agencies, including the FBI, are actively involved in piecing together the circumstances surrounding the attack. Initial reports from police indicated that the suspect may have sustained injuries during the assault. A composite sketch and photograph of the person of interest were released to the public in the days following the killings, which led to several tips and, ultimately, McGann’s apprehension.
At a press conference following the arrest, Colonel Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement. He referred to McGann as a “monster” and praised officers for bringing some relief to the Brink family’s surviving children and the broader community. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders also addressed the arrest in a statement included in the police report, stating unequivocally that Arkansas would not tolerate violent crime and vowed that anyone targeting innocent people would be brought to justice.
The murders have deeply shaken residents in the area, especially given that they occurred in a popular and typically peaceful location. Devil’s Den State Park, a 2,500-acre reserve near West Fork, is about 140 miles northwest of Little Rock and is known for its scenic trails and natural beauty. It is a favored destination for family outings and outdoor enthusiasts. The attack, described by officials as unprovoked and especially violent, has prompted renewed concerns about park security and public safety in similar recreational areas.
As of now, McGann remains in custody, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues. The community continues to mourn the loss of the Brink couple while rallying support for their daughters, who are now at the center of a tragedy that has drawn state-wide attention.
McGann now faces two counts of capital murder. While investigators have yet to determine a motive, both state and federal agencies, including the FBI, are actively involved in piecing together the circumstances surrounding the attack. Initial reports from police indicated that the suspect may have sustained injuries during the assault. A composite sketch and photograph of the person of interest were released to the public in the days following the killings, which led to several tips and, ultimately, McGann’s apprehension.
At a press conference following the arrest, Colonel Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement. He referred to McGann as a “monster” and praised officers for bringing some relief to the Brink family’s surviving children and the broader community. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders also addressed the arrest in a statement included in the police report, stating unequivocally that Arkansas would not tolerate violent crime and vowed that anyone targeting innocent people would be brought to justice.
The murders have deeply shaken residents in the area, especially given that they occurred in a popular and typically peaceful location. Devil’s Den State Park, a 2,500-acre reserve near West Fork, is about 140 miles northwest of Little Rock and is known for its scenic trails and natural beauty. It is a favored destination for family outings and outdoor enthusiasts. The attack, described by officials as unprovoked and especially violent, has prompted renewed concerns about park security and public safety in similar recreational areas.
As of now, McGann remains in custody, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues. The community continues to mourn the loss of the Brink couple while rallying support for their daughters, who are now at the center of a tragedy that has drawn state-wide attention.