Photo: Arkansas State Police
Andrew James McGann, a 28-year-old elementary school teacher, pleaded not guilty to two counts of capital murder on Thursday (August 14) in Arkansas. He is accused of fatally stabbing Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, while they were hiking with their daughters, aged seven and nine, at Devil's Den State Park. The children were unharmed.
The incident occurred on July 26, and McGann was arrested four days later at a barbershop in Springdale, about 30 miles north of the park. McGann reportedly admitted to the killings after his arrest, and investigators matched his DNA to blood found at the crime scene.
McGann, who was about to start a new job at Springdale Public Schools, had previously worked in Texas and Oklahoma. He has no prior criminal record. The authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack. Circuit Judge Joanna Taylor scheduled McGann's next court hearing for November 14. He is currently being held without bond.