Daijiworld Media Network – Arkansas

Arkansas, Aug 1: In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked Arkansas, a 28-year-old teacher has confessed to fatally stabbing a couple in a seemingly random attack while they were hiking with their children at Devil’s Den State Park.

The victims, Clinton David Brink (43) and his wife Cristen Amanda Brink (41), were killed on July 26 while hiking with their two young daughters. Their suspected killer, Andrew James McGann of Springdale, has been arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder, Arkansas State Police said on Wednesday.

According to officials, the couple was attacked about half a mile into the trail. The mother, who managed to guide her children to safety, returned to help her husband and was also fatally stabbed. The children, aged 7 and 9, were unharmed.

Following a statewide manhunt, McGann was arrested at a barbershop in Springdale. During interrogation, he confessed to the murders. Investigators confirmed that DNA evidence from the crime scene matched McGann’s, who had sustained cuts during the attack. Items found in his home were also consistent with the crime, officials said.

Col. Mike Hagar of the Arkansas State Police said there appears to be no known connection between the suspect and the victims, indicating the attack was entirely random.

McGann had recently moved to Springdale from Oklahoma and was hired to teach in the Springdale Public Schools district for the upcoming academic year. However, he had not yet begun work. He previously taught fifth grade in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and had resigned from a Texas school following concerns over professional conduct, although no inappropriate behavior with students was found.

Authorities released a composite sketch and surveillance photo of the suspect earlier in the week, leading to over 500 public tips. Police say identifying the suspect's black sedan with a taped-over license plate was crucial in tracking him down.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders condemned the “senseless and horrific crime” and said the state is grieving the loss. Prosecutors have confirmed they will seek the death penalty in the case.

The Brinks, who had recently moved to Prairie Grove from North Dakota, leave behind three daughters. The children are now in the care of relatives.

The trail at Devil’s Den State Park remains closed as the investigation continues.