Suspect arrested in double murder of Arkansas couple at Devil’s Den State Park

Arkansas State Police have arrested a suspect in the brutal killings of Clinton Brink, 43, and his wife Cristen Brink, 41.

(NBC)- After a days-long manhunt, Arkansas State Police have arrested a suspect in the brutal killings of Clinton Brink, 43, and his wife Cristen Brink, 41. The couple was attacked during a family hike at Devil’s Den State Park last weekend, an incident that left their two young daughters—ages 7 and 9—as the only witnesses.

Authorities apprehended 28-year-old James Andrew McGann of Springdale on Wednesday at a local barbershop. Employees at the shop later posted video of the arrest on social media, claiming McGann had come in for a haircut and appeared reserved before police arrived. He now faces two counts of capital murder.

“We were able to take a monster off the streets and bring relief to Clinton and Cristen’s precious girls,” said Mike Hagar, Arkansas Secretary of Public Safety and Director of State Police.

Investigators say McGann had recently moved to the area from Oklahoma after accepting a job at a local school. The motive for the attack is still under investigation.

“We still have a lot of work to do in terms of securing a conviction,” said Major Stacie Rhoads, Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division. She credited public tips and video footage, along with a widely shared composite sketch, as instrumental in locating McGann.

The Brinks were reported missing after their daughters ran for help, telling authorities their parents had been assaulted. Broadcast police audio revealed the urgency of the scene: “They advise that their parents were assaulted. One was possibly stabbed. The parents are missing.”

As the Brink family mourns their  loss, Devil’s Den State Park remains closed. Local residents have offered prayers and support for the grieving family.

“For a family to have to go through and deal with that level of tragedy is something that no one should ever experience,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “And something we never want to take place in our state.”