An Arkansas teacher has been charged in the fatal stabbing of a father and mother who were hiking with their children in a state park last weekend, police revealed Thursday.
The suspect, 28-year-old Andrew McGann, admitted to murdering Clinton Brink, 43, and Cristen Brink, 41, on Saturday at Devil’s Den State Park in northwestern Arkansas. His DNA also matched blood found at the crime scene.
Two of the couple’s three young daughters, who went hiking with their parents, are alive and were not hurt. The children were ages 7 and 9.
Law enforcement arrested McGann on Wednesday shortly after identifying him based on the vehicle he used at the time of the killings, thanks to a large volume of tips. The suspect was apprehended at a barber shop.
McGann faces two counts of capital murder, meaning he is eligible for the death penalty in Arkansas. He is being held in jail without bond.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive. It is believed the attacker did not know the victims or their children.
“In my 27 years that I’ve been with the state police, this is probably one of the most heinous that we’ve had, especially the aspect of just how random it was,” said Arkansas State Police Maj. Stacie Rhoads.
McGann, who has no criminal record, was supposed to start a new teaching job at Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas once the summer ended. He previously taught in Oklahoma and Texas before moving to Arkansas this year. The Brink family also recently moved to Arkansas.
SUSPECT IDENTIFIED IN WALMART STABBING THAT INJURED 11 PEOPLE
Officials said they believe McGann acted alone and that no other suspects are being investigated. They added that there is no ongoing threat to the public and no trend of violence at state parks.
Devil’s Den, a 2,500-acre state park, has been closed since Saturday. As of Thursday, it remains unclear when the park will reopen.