Additional Coverage:
A teacher accused of a double murder in an Arkansas state park pleaded not guilty on Thursday.
28-year-old Andrew James McGann appeared before a judge at the Washington County jail, charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41. The Brinks were found stabbed to death on a walking trail in Devil’s Den State Park on July 26. Their two young daughters, aged 7 and 9, were found unharmed nearby and are now in the care of relatives.
Officials described a horrific scene in which McGann allegedly attacked Clinton Brink first. Cristen Brink bravely ushered her daughters to safety before returning to help her husband, where she too was killed. The family released a statement saying the couple died as “heroes protecting their little girls.”
A five-day manhunt ensued, culminating in McGann’s arrest at a Springdale barbershop on July 30. The town is approximately 30 miles north of Devil’s Den State Park.
Authorities say McGann confessed to the killings shortly after his arrest, and DNA evidence collected at the scene corroborates his involvement. Police believe McGann was injured during the attack, leaving his blood at the scene. Hundreds of tips from the public, including crucial video footage, aided in his capture.
A motive for the killings remains elusive. Police say there’s no indication that McGann knew the Brink family.
McGann was slated to begin a new job at Springdale Public Schools, but had no contact with students or families prior to his arrest. He had previously worked in Texas and Oklahoma.
Officials say McGann had no prior criminal record or history of mental illness. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 14.