Former teammate recounts shock after arrest of suspect in Devil’s Den double homicide

WEST FORK, Ark. — A suspect is now in custody following the brutal double homicide that shocked visitors and residents alike at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday, July 26.

Authorities have arrested 28-year-old Andrew James McGann in connection with the killings of a married couple who were hiking with their two young children.

Arkansas State Police confirmed Wednesday that they believe the attack was a completely random act of violence. McGann is currently being held in custody, and investigators credited the swift arrest to tips from the public — and the bravery of the couple’s children, who survived the attack and helped lead authorities to the suspect.

The victims, identified as Clinton and Cristen Brink, were hiking with their three daughters when the tragedy occurred. The children are now in the care of relatives.

McGann’s arrest stunned those who knew him, including former high school classmate and rugby teammate Patrick Bailey, who attended Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois, with McGann between 2016 and 2018.

“I was made aware of it through another friend who said, ‘Didn’t you know this guy?’ And when I saw the mugshot, I recognized his face immediately,” Bailey said.

Bailey remembers McGann — known to friends as “Andy” — as a quiet but friendly team leader and athlete.

“He led by example. He wasn’t the loudest guy in the room, but he kept things light,” Bailey said.  “We carpooled to rugby practice together all the time, cracked jokes. He seemed like a totally normal guy.”

Bailey said the two were never close friends but interacted often during high school, particularly during rugby season. They lost touch after graduation, aside from occasional Facebook interactions.

“You never expect to see someone you knew — someone you shared a field with — in a headline like that,” he said. “By no means was there ever an indication he’d be capable of something like this.”

Bailey also sent his condolences to the Brink family.

“It’s just tragic all around,” Bailey said. “Even thinking about someone I once knew being connected to something so heinous — it’s been tough to process.”

State police continue to investigate McGann’s background and possible motives. At this time, no known connection between McGann and the Brinks family has been established.

Bailey, along with others who knew McGann in passing, say they are still trying to reconcile the man they remember with the one now facing serious criminal charges.

“Stuff like this happens,” Bailey added. “But you never expect it to be someone you know.”