A suspect has been arrested in connection with the tragic double murder of two parents who were defending their young daughter on a hiking trail in Arkansas’s Devils Den State Park last Saturday.
James Andrew McGan, 28, was taken into custody in Springdale, Arkansas, on Wednesday and faces two charges of capital murder, as stated by the Arkansas State Police.
The victims, Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Kristen Amanda Brink, 41, were hiking with their two daughters, ages 7 and 9. The girls reported that a man, believed to be McGann, attacked them around 2:30 PM that day, officials revealed.
According to reports, the children managed to escape without injury, while their parents were found stabbed along the trail in a well-known area highlighted by its caves and rock formations.
“Clinton and Kristen protected their little girl and lost their heroes, and they deserve justice,” a family statement indicated.
The bodies of the couple were discovered on a popular hiking route following a shocking incident, which triggered an urgent search for the attacker, described as wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves.
The Brinks had recently moved from South Dakota to Arkansas. Clinton was set to begin a new job as a milk delivery driver on the upcoming Monday, according to his employer.
While investigators have yet to disclose the motive behind this horrific act, state officials expressed their relief regarding the arrest.
“Although there’s no update that can heal the Brink family from the deep wounds caused by this crime last weekend, this announcement provides a sense of comfort and safety for our state,” stated Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
“If you target innocent individuals, law enforcement will pursue you and deliver justice,” Sanders added.
Local authorities labeled McGann a “monster” and commended the investigative efforts that led to his apprehension.
“The diligent work of our investigators has successfully removed a threat from our streets, providing peace of mind to these two precious girls and our community,” remarked ASP Colonel Mike Hagar during the announcement of the arrest.
