Tragic Incident at Devil’s Den State Park

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A 28-year-old Arkansas man was arrested Wednesday in the killings of a married couple in front of their children at Devil’s Den State Park over the weekend, officials said.

Arkansas State Police arrested James Andrew McGann from Springdale and charged him with two counts of capital murder. Police did not mention a possible motive.

A lawyer couldn’t be located for him yet as he’s just been arrested.

The search for the man who killed the hikers at a state park in northwest Arkansas had entered its fifth day Wednesday. Many details about the attack remain unclear.

Key Facts About the Incident

Here are some things to know:

The incident occurred at Devil’s Den State Park, a popular hiking spot in northwest Arkansas. The park is known for its beautiful trails and rock formations, and it is a short drive from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and Walmart’s Bentonville headquarters.

Couple Found Dead on a Walking Trail

Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were found dead Saturday on a walking trail at Devil’s Den. Their daughters, who are 7 and 9, were not hurt and are being cared for by family members, authorities have said.

Police released a composite sketch and photo of a person of interest they were searching for in the attack. Along with the drawing, state police released a statement saying the suspect “likely sustained an injury while attacking the couple.” It did not go into further detail.

The State Police have released few details, including how the couple was killed. The FBI has said its Little Rock field office is assisting in the investigation.

Victims’ Background

Clinton and Cristen Brink had just moved from South Dakota to the small city of Prairie Grove in northwest Arkansas. Their water had been connected less than two weeks ago, Mayor David Faulk said.

Clinton Brink had been scheduled to start a job as a milk delivery driver Monday in the nearby Fayetteville area, according to Hiland Dairy, his employer. Cristen Brink had been licensed as a nurse in Montana and South Dakota before moving to Arkansas.

The Brink family said the couple died “heroes protecting their little girls.”

Park Closure

Devil’s Den is a 2,500-acre state park near West Fork, about 140 miles northwest of Little Rock, the state capital.

Devil’s Den is known for its hiking trails and rock formations, and it is a short drive from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and Walmart’s Bentonville headquarters. It was selected as a state park site in the 1930s.

The park’s trails, which lead to the surrounding Ozark National Forest, remained closed Wednesday.

Investigation and Arrest

The investigation into the killings is ongoing, and police are still trying to determine the motive behind the attack. The FBI is assisting in the investigation, and the state police are working to gather more evidence.

The arrest of James Andrew McGann brings some closure to the case, but many questions still remain. The community is still in shock over the tragic incident, and the family of the victims is grieving their loss.

Conclusion

The incident at Devil’s Den State Park is a tragic reminder of the violence that can occur in our communities. The killing of Clinton and Cristen Brink is a senseless act of violence that has left their family and the community in shock. As the investigation continues, we hope that justice will be served and that the community can begin to heal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the incident:

Q: Who were the victims?

A: The victims were Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, a married couple who were found dead on a walking trail at Devil’s Den State Park.

Q: What happened to the couple’s daughters?

A: The couple’s daughters, who are 7 and 9, were not hurt and are being cared for by family members.

Q: Who was arrested in connection with the killings?

A: James Andrew McGann, a 28-year-old man from Springdale, was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder.

Q: What is the motive behind the attack?

A: The motive behind the attack is still unclear, and police are still investigating the incident.

Q: Is the park still closed?

A: Yes, the park’s trails remain closed while the investigation is ongoing.