Teacher suspect's journey from classroom to courtroom, traced in the timeline of Arkansas hiking murders
In a shocking turn of events, Andrew James McGann, a 28-year-old former teacher, has confessed to the brutal murders of Clinton David Brink and his wife Cristen Amanda Brink at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas on July 26, 2025.
The couple, who had recently relocated to the region from South Dakota, were hiking with their two young daughters when the tragedy occurred. The attack was reported via a 911 call placed at 2:30 p.m. CDT, and search crews discovered the victims' bodies shortly after, with apparent stab wounds as the cause of death.
Authorities described the attack as "completely random," and no clear motive has been revealed. McGann, who had no known adult criminal history, was arrested at a barbershop in Springdale, Arkansas, on July 30, at 4:57 p.m.
McGann had previously taught in a small Oklahoma school district until May 2025, and had resigned from his position to take a job in another state. However, he had not yet started his new job in Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas.
Investigators have not disclosed any history of violence or criminal behavior associated with McGann. His background as a former teacher and his Chicago upbringing were noted, with friends describing him as seemingly normal before the incident.
In a statement, Jared Cleveland, the district superintendent, confirmed that McGann "has not at any time" been in contact with students or their families. Lissa Chidester, director of communications for the Sand Springs Public Schools, also expressed condolences for the Brink family.
Investigators have urged the public to check their cellphone photos and videos or GoPro footage for images of the suspect, and residents of the area surrounding the park to notify Arkansas State Police (ASP) if they have access to security and game camera footage.
In a previous incident, a former student's mother filed a complaint with the school district in 2023, alleging that McGann had behaved inappropriately toward younger females. However, the investigation into the complaint did not find evidence of inappropriate behavior toward a student, although it concluded that McGann's classroom management and judgment fell below district expectations.
Arkansas State Police have released a sketch and description of the suspect, who is described as a white male in his late 20s wearing rolled-up long sleeves, gloves, and carrying a black backpack. A manhunt alert was issued by ASP in the evening of July 26.
This tragic incident has left the community in shock, and our thoughts are with the Brink family during this difficult time.
[1] Arkansas State Police Press Release, July 26, 2025. [2] Sand Springs Public Schools Statement, July 27, 2025. [3] Springdale Public Schools Statement, July 30, 2025. [4] Oklahoma School District Statement, July 31, 2025.
- The shocking murder case of Andrew James McGann, a former teacher, has dominated general-news headlines, with the crime-and-justice sector also paying close attention to the investigation.
- In the aftermath of the brutal killings, local sports events in Devil's Den State Park have been postponed or canceled, with the community rallying together to support the bereaved Brink family.
