Devil's Den State Park killings: What we know about Andrew James McGann
Andrew James McGann, 28, of Springdale, was arrested and is accused of killing Clinton and Cristen Brink while they were hiking at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas. Here is what we know about the suspect:Recently moved to ArkansasMcGann recently moved from Oklahoma to Arkansas for a teaching job, officials said in a news conference Wednesday night.Springdale Public Schools said in a statement that McGann was a teacher candidate hired for the upcoming school year. It said he has not come into contact with Springdale students or their families. ABC News confirmed McGann was a teacher for Broken Arrow Public Schools during the 2023-2024 school year. In a statement, the district said he was a fifth-grade teacher and left the district during the school year, adding that "he was subjected to and passed the legally required background checks prior to being hired." Sister station 40/29 News is working to confirm where else McGann may have worked.Booked in Washington County jailHe was booked into the Washington County Detention Center as Andrew McGann. He is facing two counts of capital murder. Online detention records say the 28-year-old is 6 feet tall and weighs 180 pounds.No bond has been set. Washington County Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter confirmed McGann's first court appearance is scheduled for August 1st. Likely did not know his victimsLaw enforcement does not think McGann knew the people they say he stabbed to death on a hiking trail.He is accused of stabbing the couple in front of their daughters, ages 7 and 9.Was getting a haircutMcGann was at Lupita's Beauty Salon and Barber Shop on Huntsville Avenue in Springdale when detectives walked in mid-haircut and made the arrest, according to posts shared by a woman who works at the shop.She took videos that show what appear to be investigators photographing hair on the floor, which was surrounded by evidence markers.Another clip showed a black four-door sedan, taped off and labeled as evidence, being loaded onto a tow truck.The sedan matches the description law enforcement gave of one that drove away from Devil's Den just after the killings.Could face the death penaltyMcGann is facing two capital murder charges in connection with Clinton and Cristen Brink's deaths. Conviction on either charge could put him on death row.The Washington County prosecutor told 40/29 News that decisions regarding McGann's potential sentence will be made later on as the case progresses through the judicial system.Arkansas currently has 23 people on death row.
