Arkansas State Police matches DNA at crime scene with Andrew James McGann in Devil’s Den ‘random’ murders

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar was joined by officials on Thursday to provide updates on the Wednesday arrest of Andrew James McGann in connection with the double stabbing deaths in Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday.

Hagar confirmed that DNA found at the crime scene matched McGann, adding that the attack on the hiking couple was random.

The Colonel 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 Criminal Investigation Division Maj. Stacy Rhodes said that investigators were able to vet tips and suspects, leading to McGann’s arrest. He was arrested without incident at a Springdale barbershop, the Major said.

Rhodes added that McGann made statements during his interview with investigators that indicated he had 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.

In responding to questions, Rhodes backed up an earlier statement from Hagar that social media comments caused significant harm in the investigation.

“Social media did nothing to help our investigation,” she said. “Social media hurt our investigation.

She continued to decry “keyboard warriors,” adding, “if you’re an expert, you’re probably not on social media.”

Hagar, before opening for questions, explained that the investigation began with “those two little girls,” the 7- and 9-year-old daughters of the Brinks who were with them.

“Please be sensitive to the fact that there’s a family who’s grieving,” Hagar said, adding that misinformation and speculation about the stabbing deaths on social media repeatedly 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 later in the news conference that during the attack, Clinton Brinks was attacked and 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.