A five-day manhunt following the tragic killing of a married couple at Devil’s Den State Park has concluded with an arrest, bringing a measure of relief to a community gripped by fear. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) confirmed that James Andrew McGann, 28, of Springdale, was taken into custody on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in connection with the double homicide.
The victims, Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were fatally attacked on Saturday, July 26, while hiking with their two young daughters. The children, aged 7 and 9, were physically unharmed and are now safe with family members. The incident sparked a widespread investigation involving state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies.
According to an official release from the Arkansas State Police, special agents arrested McGann at 4:57 p.m. at a business in Springdale. Local news outlet 40/29 News reported that the arrest occurred at Lupita’s Beauty Salon and Barber Shop while the suspect was in the middle of a haircut. McGann has been charged with two counts of capital murder. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack or the specific manner in which the couple was killed.
The Brink family had only recently moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from South Dakota. According to 5NEWS, the family had their water service connected just 10 days before the fatal attack. Clinton Brink was scheduled to begin a new job as a milk delivery driver on the Monday following his death, and Cristen Brink was a licensed nurse. In a statement provided to the media, the family expressed their profound grief, stating, “Clinton and Cristen died heroes, protecting their little girls and they deserve justice. They will forever live on in all of our hearts.”
The investigation involved a significant multi-agency effort. The FBI provided additional manpower and resources to the Arkansas State Police. Investigators had previously released a composite sketch and a photograph of a person of interest seen in the park on the day of the killings, asking for the public’s help in identification. Witnesses had also reported seeing a black, four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with its license plate partially covered by tape leaving the area.
Following the arrest, state officials expressed their gratitude for the tireless work of law enforcement. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a statement, saying, “No news can heal the enormous harm done to the Brink family in last weekend’s crime, but this announcement is a comfort and reassurance for our State. I am so proud of the Arkansas State Police, Park Rangers, local law enforcement, and others who have worked nonstop since last weekend to capture this suspect.”
ASP Director, Col. Mike Hagar, echoed these sentiments, crediting the collaborative effort for the swift resolution. “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 stated.
Devil’s Den State Park, a popular destination known for its scenic trails in the Ozark National Forest, has remained closed to the public since the incident. Officials have stated that all trails will be closed until further notice as the investigation continues.
