Crime
Moment Former Teacher Andrew James McGann Arrested Mid-Haircut at Lupita’s Body Salon in Springdale
LOWELL, Ark. — Arkansas State Police have arrested 28-year-old James Andrew McGann in connection with the brutal double homicide of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, who were attacked while hiking with their two young daughters at Devil’s Den State Park on July 26, 2025.
McGann, a former elementary school teacher, was taken into custody at 4:57 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, while receiving a haircut at Lupita’s Body Salon in Springdale.
Surveillance footage captured the moment officers entered the salon and arrested him. According to police, McGann confessed to the killings following his arrest.
He is now charged with two counts of Capital Murder and is being held at the Washington County Detention Center.
His first court appearance is scheduled for August 1.
Authorities say the attack began when Clinton Brink was assaulted on the trail. Cristen Brink reportedly rushed their two daughters, ages 7 and 9, to the family’s car for safety before returning to assist her husband.
She was then fatally stabbed.
The children were unharmed and are now in the care of relatives.
During a press briefing, Arkansas State Police confirmed McGann’s DNA matched evidence collected at the scene.
Investigators said witness descriptions—particularly from the Brink daughters—as well as tips from the public, including reports regarding McGann’s vehicle, played a significant role in identifying the suspect.
The woman cutting McGann’s hair at the time of the arrest, Adriana Ruiz Avalos, later posted her account on social media, stating:
“I was in the middle of cutting his hair when detectives came in. I was shaking… I asked if this was about the Devil’s Den incident, and it looks like it was. They even collected the chair he was sitting on.”
McGann, originally from Sand Springs, Oklahoma, had recently moved to Arkansas.
He previously taught 4th grade at Donald Elementary in Lewisville, Texas, where multiple complaints were reportedly made about inappropriate behavior toward young female students.
According to social media reports, McGann was allowed to quietly resign from the Texas school district without disciplinary action and soon after secured a new teaching job at Bayyari Elementary School in Springdale under the name “Drew McGann.”
Just weeks before the murders, Bayyari Elementary introduced McGann on its social media page:
“Hello! My name is Drew McGann. I am thrilled to be part of the Bayyari team this year as a 3rd grade teacher!”
That post has since drawn scrutiny as details emerge about his previous employment history and the absence of formal disciplinary records that may have prevented background red flags from surfacing.
McGann’s prior employment also included substitute teaching roles in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, and student teaching in Broken Arrow Public Schools.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Oklahoma State University.
The investigation into the motivations and circumstances surrounding the murders is ongoing.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the parents may have been killed while trying to protect their daughters from a targeted threat.
The Brinks are survived by their three daughters.
The community continues to mourn their loss, while calls grow louder for greater accountability in vetting educators across state lines.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.