Former Teacher Charged with Capital Murder
A former Lewisville ISD teacher, Andrew James McGann, 28, has been charged with two counts of capital murder after fatally stabbing a couple who were hiking with their two children in an Arkansas state park. McGann had been employed by five different school districts in three states over the past few years.
McGann was placed on administrative leave at Donald Elementary School in Flower Mound in spring 2023 due to concerns about his classroom management. He later worked for Plano ISD for four days, from August 6 to August 9, 2024, but resigned before the start of the school year. According to Lesley Range-Stanton, a spokesperson for the school district, McGann did not have any direct contact with students during his brief employment.
“All district employees must undergo strict hiring processes and procedures as prescribed by law, including background checks and fingerprinting, to which there were no findings upon the time of his hire,” Range-Stanton said. McGann also passed background checks in two Oklahoma school districts and was expected to start a new job in northwest Arkansas on August 11.
The victims, Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were killed while hiking with their two daughters, aged 7 and 9, at Devil’s Den state park. McGann made his first appearance before an Arkansas judge on Friday and was ordered to be held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center. His arraignment is scheduled for August 25.
Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar stated that authorities are still trying to determine the motive behind the attack. McGann was arrested on Wednesday at a barbershop in Springdale, about 30 miles north of the park, after a five-day search and hundreds of tips.
Andrew James McGann, charged with two counts of capital murder, is seen on the video monitor as he appears in front of District Judge Terra Stephenson for his bond hearing at the Washington County Detention Center. Friday, Aug, 1, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark.
Michael Woods / AP
McGann’s Teaching History
McGann has active teaching licenses in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, with no infractions or suspensions noted on his public state licensures. He was placed on administrative leave at Donald Elementary School in Flower Mound, Texas, in spring 2023 due to concerns about his classroom management, professional judgment, and student favoritism.
Sierra Marcum, whose son was in McGann’s fourth-grade class, described the teacher as “pretty cold” and “disinterested in his students.” McGann resigned from the Lewisville posting in May 2023 and later taught fifth grade at an elementary school in the Tulsa suburb of Broken Arrow before leaving to take another job at another Tulsa-area district, Sand Springs.
Officials from both Oklahoma districts stated that McGann passed all background checks, and there were no disciplinary actions taken against him during his time at Broken Arrow Public Schools. McGann had not yet started his new job in Arkansas at Springdale Public Schools, and the district could not provide more information due to the ongoing investigation.
Police Investigation
The State Police collected photos and videos from other hikers who were on the trails at around the same time as the attack. They also released a composite sketch and a photo of a person of interest from behind. The police narrowed down the suspect’s vehicle, which had tape over the license plate, using surveillance footage from homes and businesses near Devil’s Den.
Within an hour of McGann being identified as a suspect, he was caught at the barbershop. Carter indicated that the state would give a jury the option to sentence McGann to the death penalty.
The Victims
The Brinks and their three daughters had recently moved from South Dakota to the small city of Prairie Grove in northwest Arkansas. Clinton Brink was supposed to start working as a milk delivery driver on Monday, and Cristen Brink had been licensed as a nurse in Montana and South Dakota before moving to Arkansas.
The Brink family stated that the couple died “heroes protecting their little girls.” The two daughters, aged 7 and 9, were not hurt and are being cared for by family members.
Conclusion
The case of Andrew James McGann is a shocking and disturbing one, with many questions still unanswered. As the investigation continues, it is essential to remember the victims and their families, who have been affected by this senseless tragedy. The community must come together to support those affected and to ensure that justice is served.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Andrew James McGann?
A: Andrew James McGann is a 28-year-old former teacher who has been charged with two counts of capital murder in the killings of a couple who were hiking with their two children in an Arkansas state park.
Q: What is McGann’s teaching history?
A: McGann has active teaching licenses in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, and has worked in several school districts in these states. He was placed on administrative leave at Donald Elementary School in Flower Mound, Texas, in spring 2023 due to concerns about! his classroom management.
Q: What happened to the victims?
A: The victims, Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were killed while hiking with their two daughters, aged 7 and 9, at Devil’s Den state park. The daughters were not hurt and are being cared for by family members.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and McGann is being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center. His arraignment is scheduled for August 25.
