Introduction to the Incident
A suspect has been arrested in the killing of a couple who were attacked on an Arkansas hiking trail Saturday, state police said Wednesday.
James Andrew McGann, 28, of Springdale, was arrested at 4:57 p.m. Wednesday at a business in Springdale and is charged with two counts of capital murder, Arkansas State Police said in a statement.
The Victims and the Arrest
He is accused of killing Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, who were attacked Saturday afternoon in front of their daughters while hiking at Devil’s Den State Park, police have said.
The arrest comes after a dayslong manhunt.
Reaction from Authorities
Col. Mike Hagar, the director of the Arkansas State Police, thanked state police for working long hours in the search for a suspect, as well as federal agencies for their assistance.
"Because of their hard work and investigative skill, we were able to take a monster off the streets and bring relief to those two precious girls and the rest of our citizens," Hagar said.
The Family and the Investigation
The couple’s daughters are 7 and 9 years old. They were not injured in the attack and are safe with family members, officials said.
Katrina Hutchins, Clinton Brink’s sister, said they moved to the state about three weeks ago.
State police were notified of the killings at Devil’s Den shortly before 3 p.m. Saturday. Officials released a sketch of a suspect and asked the public for help. They said witnesses saw a black, four-door sedan with tape partially covering its license plate.
"Clinton and Cristen died heroes, protecting their little girls and they deserve justice. They will forever live on in all of our hearts,” the family said in an earlier statement.
Details of the Crime Scene
Devil’s Den State Park is around 26 miles south of Springdale, a city of around 84,000 in the northwestern part of the state.
Authorities on Wednesday did not mention a suspected motive or how the killings occurred.
Conclusion
The arrest of James Andrew McGann brings a measure of relief to the community and the family of the victims. The investigation is ongoing, and more details about the incident are expected to be released in the coming days. The bravery and sacrifice of Clinton and Cristen Brink will not be forgotten, and their memory will live on through their daughters.
FAQs
Q: Who was arrested in connection with the killings?
A: James Andrew McGann, 28, of Springdale, was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder.
Q: Who were the victims?
A: Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were the victims of the attack.
Q: Where did the incident occur?
A: The incident occurred at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas.
Q: What is the current status of the couple’s daughters?
A: The couple’s daughters, aged 7 and 9, were not injured in the attack and are safe with family members.
Q: What was the role of the public in the investigation?
A: The public was asked to help identify the suspect, and witnesses provided information about a black, four-door sedan seen in the area.
