Devil's Den Killing Suspect Andrew James McGann Had 'Red Flags': Student's Mother

Newsweek

4 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A mother whose child was taught by the teacher accused of the killing at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas said there were "red flags" in his behavior long before the alleged crime.
The Context
Former teacher Andrew James McGann, 28, allegedly killed a married couple, Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, while they were hiking with their two daughters in the state park in Washington County, Arkansas. Police said at a press conference that the couple had been stabbed to death in what appeared to be "a completely random event."
What To Know
Speaking to NewsNation on Friday, Lindsay Polyak described troubling behavior involving McGann that she observed and heard about from her 10-year-old son.
"There were red flags," Polyak said. "My son would say [McGann] liked to play tag at recess; he plays Truth or Dare with the girls. And then I start hearing these things like he's giving out candy. He gives candy out in class, but, really, it's for the girls."
McGann, who was not her son's primary teacher, was regularly present in the classroom on Fridays and participated in school events.
File photo: Mugshot of Andrew James McGann.
File photo: Mugshot of Andrew James McGann.
Arkansas State Police/AP
"I saw him at school events, and he looked charismatic," she added. "He looked like the kids enjoyed being around him, that they flocked to him."
Polyak said she and other parents had raised concerns. There were "inappropriate things happening in the classroom," she added, saying that McGann was placed on leave during an investigation and later resigned. That was two years ago.
Now, the former teacher is facing two capital murder charges. Arkansas State Police said McGann allegedly stabbed Clinton Brink first. His wife, Cristen Brink, was killed after rushing her two young daughters to safety and returning to help her husband.
"I was just absolutely shaken that Cristen and Clinton Brink were brutally murdered, allegedly, by the hands of the man that my son was around every day at his elementary school," Polyak said. "It was chilling to realize that he was around someone who could do this."
McGann, a resident of Springdale, Arkansas, had recently relocated from Oklahoma and was hired as a teacher for the upcoming school year but had "not yet started his employment," according to local law enforcement.
Springdale Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jared Cleveland confirmed that McGann "has not at any time come into contact with Springdale students or the families we serve." He added: "At this time, we cannot offer any additional information due to the ongoing investigation."
Before his move, McGann worked at Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma during the 2023/24 school year and taught fifth grade at Sand Springs Public Schools during 2024/25. A spokesperson for Broken Arrow said McGann left "of his own accord" and that "he was subjected to and passed the legally required background checks prior to being hired."
Victims Clinton and Cristen Brink had recently moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from South Dakota. Clinton was preparing to begin work as a milk delivery driver, and Cristen was a licensed nurse, according to The Associated Press.
Investigators have not disclosed a motive or details of how the killings occurred but noted the suspect may have been injured during the attack.
McGann is being held at the Washington County Jail.
What People Are Saying
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement: "No news can heal the enormous harm done to the Brink family in last weekend's crime, but this announcement is a comfort and reassurance for our State. I am so proud of the Arkansas State Police, Park Rangers, local law enforcement, and others who have worked nonstop since last weekend to capture this suspect.
"I ask that Arkansans lift up prayers of thanks for the brave men and women of law enforcement—and offer prayers of condolence to the victims of this horrific crime. Let there be no mistake—we do not tolerate violent crime in Arkansas. If you target innocent people, law enforcement will hunt you down and bring you to justice."
Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar said: "I'm extremely grateful for the long hours and dedication that our Agents put forward in bringing justice to this family. The collaboration between State Police, other state and local law enforcement agencies, and our federal partners has been second to none. Because of their hard work and investigative skill, we were able to take a monster off the streets, and bring relief to those two precious girls, and the rest of our citizens."
Major Stacie Rhoads with Arkansas State Police said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family affected by this unimaginable act of violence."
What Happens Next
McGann's arraignment is scheduled to take place on August 25. Law enforcement said the investigation remains ongoing, with additional details to be released as they become available.
Anyone who may have information regarding the case or suspect has been encouraged to contact the Arkansas State Police.