WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — Andrew McGann, the 28-year-old man arrested in connection with the deaths of a husband and wife at Devil’s Den State Park on July 26, has a history as an educator and was most recently hired on at Springdale Public Schools (SPS).
A statement from SPS Superintendent Dr. Jared Cleveland said McGann was a teacher hired for the upcoming school year but had not officially begun his employment yet.
“This individual has not at any time come into contact with Springdale students or the families we serve,” Cleveland said. “At this time, we cannot offer any additional information due to the ongoing investigation.”
The statement said more information will be shared when appropriate, and the superintendent offered condolences to the family of the victims.
McGann was reportedly a teacher at the Lewisville School District in Flower Mound, Texas, during the 2022-23 school year but resigned after being put on leave related to various concerns.
The following statement from the Lewisville School District was shared with 5NEWS after McGann’s arrest:
“Lewisville ISD is aware of the recent arrest of a former teacher who was employed at Donald Elementary during the 2022-23 school year. The individual was placed on administrative leave in the spring of 2023 following concerns related to classroom management, professional judgment, and student favoritism. An internal investigation found no evidence of inappropriate behavior with students. The teacher resigned from the district in May 2023.”
“Our hearts are with the victims and all those affected by this tragic situation. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority, and we are committed to supporting our school community during this time.”
The district said Donald Elementary families had also been contacted, sharing the letter sent to parents after McGann’s arrest.
“I know news like this can be unsettling, especially in a close-knit school community like ours,” the letter said. “Please know that the safety, well-being, and trust of our students and families will always be our top priority. We remain fully committed to upholding the high standards that define Donald Elementary, and to supporting our students and staff every step of the way.”
McGann was also a teacher at a small Oklahoma school district until May and then resigned to take a job in another state, according to a statement from Sand Springs Public Schools, which is near Tulsa. It added that McGann had passed all background checks.
Major Stacie Rhoads with Arkansas State Police (ASP) confirmed in a press conference on July 30 that investigators believe McGann had recently moved to Springdale from Oklahoma.
Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma confirmed in a statement to CBS affiliate KOTV that McGann was a teacher in the district during the 2023-24 school year:
“The man who was arrested in Arkansas for the murders at Devil’s Den State Park was a teacher for Broken Arrow Public Schools during the 23/24 school year. He was a 5th grade teacher at Spring Creek Elementary during the 23/24 school year and left of his own accord to work out of state. As with all employees hired by the district, he was subjected to and passed the legally required background checks prior to being hired. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family affected by this unimaginable act of violence.”
Oklahoma State Department of Education records said McGann had a standard elementary education certificate for grades first through eighth that went into effect May 2022 and expires June 2027.
Arkansas State Board of Education documents reflect that McGann has a standard teaching certificate for early childhood education, elementary, middle school math, middle school English, middle school social studies, middle school science, and English as a second language. The license went into effect in October 2024 and is valid until December 2028.
McGann was also a certified educator in Texas, with an expiration date set for August 2028.
McGann was the subject of a five-day manhunt in Arkansas after allegedly killing Clinton and Cristen Brink while they were hiking with their two young daughters on July 26.
Now, he’s facing two counts of capital murder. He’s expected in court on Aug. 1.
Stay with 5NEWS as we work to learn more on the developing story.
