Prosecutor: Death penalty not off the table for Devil's Den murder suspect

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A Springdale man accused of fatally stabbing a Prairie Grove couple at Devil's Den State Park could be eligible for the death penalty if convicted, according to authorities.

Andrew James McGann, 28, was arrested on July 30 at a barber shop in Springdale. He is facing two counts of capital murder connected to the deaths of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41. 

During a presser at the Arkansas State Police Headquarters in Little Rock on Thursday, Washington County Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter said it is "[his] intention to use the full weight of [his] office to bring this defendant to justice for the Brinks family."

Carter said he wanted the public to know they are safe. While suspects are innocent until proven guilty, he said, "we have the right defendant in the case."

When asked if his office would pursue the death penalty against McGann, Carter said the case has all the aggravating factors to warrant a jury deciding whether a death sentence is appropriate.

"The state will not be waiving the death penalty in this case," Carter said.

After McGann's arrest, he was interviewed by ASP investigators, where he made statements indicating he had committed two homicides, according to a preliminary report.

McGann appeared in court on Friday, where he was ordered to be held without bond. His arraignment is set for Aug. 25.