A family hike became a nightmare last week at Devil’s Den State Park, and an entire town is left reeling. A married couple man and woman and a married couple woman and man were murdered on a popular trail in front of their two small children. The 28-year-old suspect, newly established neighborhood resident and school teacher Andrew James McGann, was taken into custody days after, and the act has sent parents in the neighborhood into fear, grief, and uncertainty. No wonder people are shocked when brutality gets to this intimate. But there are things that can be done to process the news, console children, and find security once more in the daily activities again.
1. Understanding the Tragedy: What Happened at Devil’s Den
On July 26, Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were on a hike with their two daughters, aged 7 and 9, when they were attacked half a mile into the park. Arkansas State Police report that Clinton was attacked first. Cristen helped lead her daughters to safety before daring to go back to rescue her husband. Both of the parents were killed, but their efforts left their children untouched. The two had migrated to Prairie Grove recently from North Dakota in search of starting a new life for themselves. As Arkansas State Police Director Col. Mike Hagar explained, “The Brinks were a great couple, and credited their two little girls with helping in the case, saying they are ‘in awe’ of them.”
2. Who is the Suspect? What We Know About Andrew James McGann
Suspect Andrew James McGann was apprehended at the close of a daylong hunt following tips from the public with the description of his car and over 500 tips to police. McGann was removed from a Springdale barbershop, roughly 30 miles from the park. McGann, a recent transplant from Oklahoma who would one day teach school in Springdale, confessed to the slayings during a police interrogation. DNA evidence at the crime scene was matched with his, and evidence in his home was “consistent with being an actor in this particular crime,” the police said. McGann had worked earlier in Texas and Oklahoma and had cleared all background checks needed but had been administratively suspended in Texas for “concerns of issues related to classroom management, professional judgment, and favoritism towards students.” But “An internal investigation uncovered no evidence of impropriety towards students,” the district said. No link between authorities and McGann and the Brinks has been made. The attack was called a “random act.”
3. The Future in Law: Justice for the Brink Family
McGann faces two counts of capital murder and was held without bond. He will first be heard from Friday, with an arraignment next week. Washington County prosecutor Brandon Carter said, “It is my intent to use the full weight of my office to pursue this defendant to justice on behalf of the Brinks family.” The death penalty will not be waived. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders commented, “No news can heal the extensive harm inflicted on the Brink family…but this news is a consolation and assurance for our State.”
4. Talking About Violence and Safety to Kids
With these events making headlines, kids are often confronted with scary realities sometimes even before their own parents. Experts suggest starting with a question to learn what kids already know and what they are concerned about. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests, “The underlying message for a parent to convey is, ‘It’s okay if these things bother you.”. We are here to help one another.'” Keep answers clear and child-friendly, and don’t go into gory details. If older kids or teenagers ask for more information, be truthful but straightforward, and let them know that grown-ups are doing their best to make everyone safe.
As psychologist Julie Bemerer, PsyD, suggests, “There are far, far more good people than bad people in this world.” And many of those good people do things to protect us and prepare for violent situations.” Let children know it’s normal to feel sad, worried, or angry, and that you’re available to talk whenever they need.
5. Coping with Anxiety Children and Adults
Certain children who have experienced violent news may become anxious, have disturbances in sleep, and even physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches. Parents must keep an eye out for changes in mood, such as sleeping problems, clinging, or irritability. When these happen, it is better to talk and reassure, rather than punish. Grown-ups protect children by having to deal with your own feelings first before speaking with children take a walk, call friends, or practice stress-reducing exercises. Dr. Bemerer says, “If we can remain calm and just go ahead and do our typical adult thing, our children’s fears may be dispelled.”
6. Limiting Exposure to Graphic Information
Graphic news reports and social media present challenges when trying to shield children from graphic information. The AAP recommends avoiding exposure to news and graphic video for kids. With older kids, watch coverage together and pause to talk about what you are watching. “Children will be receptive to good advice, but you must offer them a little independence to decide for themselves what they can handle,” the AAP reminds us. Provokes screen breaks and access to good news or activities that inspire hope and connectivity.
7. Gaining a Sense of Security Intelligent Hiking and Outdoors Tips
Even if this action was spontaneous and one-time, all families intuitively fear venturing outdoors. Experts affirm that hiking is still a healthy and safe activity if one is vigilant. Wherever possible, hike with a partner, let someone know your plans, and remain on trails. Take plenty of water, sturdy hiking boots, and charge your cell phone in case there’s a medical emergency. Be observant and report anyone acting strangely to park authorities. The California State Parks guidebook advises, “Your safety is your responsibility while hiking in national parks. Planning is an important step in being prepared and ready for your adventure.” Let the least capable walker set the pace, walk together as a group, and stop to rest frequently.
As the community mourns the deaths of the Brinks and stands behind their children, keep in mind that healing takes time. With open communication, holding together, and building whatever wall needs to be built to shield them from what happened, families can begin to heal tragedy as it is.
