LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KARK) — Arkansas State Police (ASP) say that DNA matching Andrew James McGann was found at the scene of a fatal double stabbing at Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork. McGann was arrested on Wednesday in connection to the Saturday killings.
ASP Col. Mike Hagar said Thursday that the attack on the hiking couple appeared to be random, and the motive was still unknown.
Hagar pointed out the structure of the investigation, which began with roughly 500 tips from the public, including photos from homes and businesses near the park that showed McGann’s car, which investigators determined to be a KIA Stinger.
Once the car was known, ASP says that investigators were able to vet tips and suspects, leading to McGann’s arrest. He was arrested without incident at a Springdale barbershop, officials said.
McGann made statements during his interview with investigators that indicated he’d stabbed husband and wife, 43-year-old Clinton David Brink and 41-year-old Cristen Amanda Brink, on a trail at Devil’s Den State Park, ASP reports.
Meanwhile, ASP Criminal Investigation Division Maj. Stacy Rhodes backed up an earlier statement from Hagar that social media comments caused significant harm in the investigation. She continued to decry “keyboard warriors,” adding, “if you’re an expert, you’re probably not on social media.”
Hagar explained that the investigation began with “those two little girls,” the 7- and 9-year-old daughters of the Brinks who were with them. Hagar reiterated that misinformation and speculation about the deaths on social media have hurt the family.
“This is not an episode of ‘CSI’ and it’s not going to be wrapped up in an hour,” Hagar said.
Rhodes said that while Clinton Brinks was being attacked Cristen Brink led the girls to safety, then returned to aid her husband.
Washington County Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter said he wanted the public to know they are safe. While suspects are innocent until proven guilty, he said, “we have the right defendant in the case.”
Carter added that he would be out hiking in the park as soon as the trail was reopened.
Officials throughout complimented the other agencies that supported the state police in the investigation, including police and sheriff’s departments.
