Tragedy at Devil's Den: A Mother's Heroic Attempt to Save Her Husband Ends in Tragedy

Arkansas officials have revealed harrowing details about the double homicide that occurred at Devil's Den State Park, where a couple was brutally stabbed to death. The tragedy unfolded when the wife, Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, went back to help her husband, Clinton David Brink, 43, after he was initially attacked, ultimately leading to both of their deaths.

According to a news conference held by authorities, the couple was hiking with their two daughters, ages 7 and 9, when they were ambushed. The children were guided to safety by their mother before she returned to assist her husband, who had already been attacked. Maj. Stacie Rhoads of the Arizona State Police Criminal Investigation Division confirmed that the mother did not retreat to the car with the children but instead returned to help her husband, a decision that ultimately cost her life.

"The mother did not return all the way to the car with the kids. We believe that the mother took them to safety and then returned to help her husband," said Maj. Rhoads.

The children were found about half a mile into the park, and they were unharmed. They are currently being cared for by family members. The couple also has a third daughter who was not present during the hike.

Authorities have charged Andrew James McGann, a 28-year-old former schoolteacher, with two counts of capital murder. McGann was arrested at a barbershop in Springdale following a five-day search and over 500 tips from the public. During his initial court appearance, McGann admitted to committing the murders, according to officials.

"We would call it an admission," said Maj. Rhoads.

Col. Mike Hagar of the Arkansas State Police noted that there is no indication McGann knew the couple or their children. The motive for the attack remains unclear.

McGann’s DNA matched the DNA found at the crime scene, which police were able to obtain after he suffered an injury during the attack that resulted in blood loss. A search warrant executed at McGann’s house in Springdale revealed articles that are consistent with being involved in the crime.

McGann had previously been a teacher in a small Oklahoma school district before resigning in May of this year to take a job in another state. He has no criminal history and no known history of mental illness.

The couple was found dead on Saturday at Devil's Den State Park in Washington County, about 140 miles northwest of Little Rock. The Brink family described their loved ones as "heroes protecting their little girls."

As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a couple whose final moments were marked by a mother’s courage and a tragic turn of events.