A chilling double murder in Arkansas has taken an even darker twist, with detectives in multiple states now probing whether the accused killer could be tied to other unsolved deaths.
Andrew James McGann, 28, was arrested after a five-day manhunt and charged with stabbing Clinton and Cristen Brink to death while they hiked with their two daughters at Devil’s Den State Park on July 26.
Police say McGann confessed to the killings, which police have described as random, after being caught mid-haircut at a local salon, with DNA evidence linking him to the scene. Now, investigators in Wisconsin and Vermont are revisiting hauntingly similar cases — and one of them shares an unsettling “devil” connection.
Wisconsin murder reopens with new lead
In October 2020, John Schmutzer, 24, was stabbed to death while hiking alone at Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin. No suspect was ever caught, but police described a suspect as a white man, about 5’10” to 6′, dressed in all black.
After McGann’s arrest, Wisconsin authorities requested his DNA for comparison, and evidence is being exchanged between Wisconsin and Arkansas crime labs for analysis. Police say they have also received multiple tips mentioning McGann in connection with the case.
Vermont shooting draws interest — but no link found
The October 2023 murder of Honoree Fleming, 77, a beloved retired college professor, also caught investigators’ attention. She was fatally shot while walking her favorite trail in Castleton, Vermont.
Police released a sketch of a younger white man with red hair at the time, but on August 7, Vermont State Police said there is no known link between McGann and the case. The search for Fleming’s killer continues.
Troubled past in education
Before moving to Arkansas, McGann taught in Oklahoma and Texas. Parents in Texas alleged troubling behavior, including showing favoritism toward young girls and even telling one student he wished she could be his girlfriend.
School officials placed him on leave over “concerns related to classroom management, professional judgment, and student favoritism,” but McGann resigned before further action was taken.
Awaiting his day in court
McGann’s motive in the Brink murders remains unknown. He is set to be arraigned on August 14.
While authorities stress he’s only charged in the Arkansas case, the chilling parallels to other killings — and the ominous “devil” link between parks — are keeping public fears alive.