LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) held a press conference at 2 p.m. to discuss the recent arrest of Andrew McGann, a 28-year-old Springdale teacher accused of murdering two people at Devil’s Den State Park on July 26, sparking a statewide manhunt.
ASP first identified the victims on July 27 as 43-year-old Clinton David Brink and 41-year-old Cristen Amanda Brink. ASP said they were hiking with their two daughters, who are 7 and 9, when they were attacked. The two girls were not injured and are safe with family members.
5NEWS first responded to a tip about a large police presence and investigation at Devil’s Den around 4:30 p.m. on July 26. We immediately reached out to law enforcement, including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and ASP, but were repeatedly redirected or offered no information. Investigators later said they were alerted about the double homicide at the park at around 2:40 p.m.
While on the scene, 5NEWS reporter Beau Russell was told to leave by state troopers, and they too did not provide information on the reason for the law enforcement presence.
ASP sent media a release at around 8:40 p.m. stating that two people had been murdered, and a manhunt was underway.
When asked about the six-hour difference between receiving the report of the deaths and sending out a public statement, an ASP spokesperson explained that “The location is in remote, rural Arkansas. It took time for our Special Agents to arrive on scene, locate witnesses, conduct interviews, and collaborate information, so we released the appropriate information.”
Arkansas State Police (ASP) said that Andrew James McGann, a 28-year-old man from Springdale, was taken into custody at a Springdale barber shop at 4:57 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, five days after the fatal attack. He faces two capital murder charges and the detainee roster lists him as having no bond.
ASP Maj. Stacie Rhoads told 5NEWS it does not appear the suspect had a connection to the victims.
Col. Hagar confirmed during the press conference on July 31 that DNA positively put McGann at the scene of the crime and that ASP received over 500 tips.
A preliminary report obtained by 5NEWS shortly before the Thursday press conference said a hiker found the couple’s two daughters and later the deceased.
ASP arrived at the scene and began interviewing patrons. The report said one noted a person had emerged from the trail with what looked like blood on his face before entering a black car.
An autopsy at the Arkansas State Crime Lab determined the Brinks were stabbed. The report said McGann was interviewed after his arrest and “made statements indicating that he had committed two homicides.”
5NEWS will be covering the press conference live on-air and on our free streaming platform 5NEWS+ starting at 1:30 p.m. For information on how to watch 5NEWS+ on your smart TV or mobile device, check out our how-to article here.
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