Devil's Den Murders Were 'Completely Random,' Police Say, as Heartbreaking New Details Emerge

Police say Andrew James McGann didn't know the Brinks, who were attacked with a knife in front of their children at Devil's Den State Park

NEED TO KNOW

• Police say Andrew James McGann, 28, had no connection to Clinton and Cristen Brink and acted alone
• The couple was stabbed while hiking with their daughters, who escaped and are safe
• Investigators linked McGann to the scene through DNA and surveillance of his black Kia Stinger

The man accused of killing Clinton and Cristen Brink in front of their two young daughters on an Arkansas hiking trail did not know them, authorities say — and allegedly acted alone in what officials described as a “completely random” act of violence.

Andrew James McGann, 28, was arrested four days after the July 26 killings while getting a haircut in Springdale, Ark. Officials allege McGann approached the Brinks on the trail at Devil's Den State Park and then stabbed them both without warning, leaving their daughters — ages 7 and 9 — to flee the scene.

“We have no reason to believe that there was any known association between our suspect and our victims,” Col. Mike Hagar of the Arkansas State Police said at a Thursday press conference. “It appears to be a completely random event.”

McGann is charged with two counts of capital murder. Police say he was linked to the crime through DNA and evidence recovered from his black Kia Stinger, which matched witness descriptions.

Authorities allege he acted alone and that no other suspects are being sought.

Investigators say surveillance footage from Devil’s Den captured a black sedan leaving the area around the time of the killings.

That vehicle, identified as a 2022 Kia Stinger, was later found outside a Springdale barber shop where McGann was arrested on July 30. Police say what appeared to be blood was found inside the car.

Hagan said that McGann was injured and had suffered blood loss when he was captured; blood he left at the scene allowed police to develop a DNA profile, he said.

Authorities also credited members of the public with submitting photos from the park — including an image of a person of interest — which helped guide the investigation.

Items consistent with a photo of the back of a suspect were found during the execution of a search warrant at McGann's house, authorities said at the Thursday press conference.

McGann admitted to the crime while in police custody, authorities said; he was booked into the Washington County Detention Center and is being held without bond.

The Brinks were visiting Devil’s Den from Pea Ridge, Ark., and had reportedly planned a simple family hike. Their daughters were found safe by first responders and are now in the care of relatives.

Authorities have not released a motive, and court documents remain sealed. McGann’s public defender has not responded to media requests for comment.