Alleged Devil's Den killer investigated in multiple unsolved murders across US that have one thing in common
Share this @internewscast.com

The man accused of killing a married couple while they were on a hiking trip with their kids in Arkansas July 26 is being looked at for possible involvement in other murders.

Arkansas State Police allege Andrew James McGann killed Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, and Clinton David Brink, 43, while the couple was taking their children hiking at Devil’s Den State Park in Washington County, Arkansas. McGann is due in court Thursday morning to be arraigned on capital murder charges.

Col. Mike Hagar, Arkansas State Police director, said McGann confessed to the killings, adding they were stabbed to death in a “completely random event.”

“We have no reason to believe there was any known association between our suspect and our victims,” Hagar said. “During an interview with investigators, the suspect admitted to committing the murders. We also executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered items consistent with the crime.”

John Craig Schmutzer smiling

John Craig Schmutzer was killed in 2020. (Sauk County Sheriff’s Office)

The detective said police are trying to determine if there’s any link between McGann and the death of Schmutzer.

“We’ve received many tips, both from citizens in Arkansas and Wisconsin, regarding the Devil’s Den Homicide and the possible connection to our homicide from October 2020,” Det. Sgt. Drew Bulin told Fox News Digital. “We’ve been in contact with Arkansas investigators and will be working to determine if the similarities are a coincidence or if there is something more.”

According to ABC 7 News, McGann grew up in Chicago’s Garfield Ridge neighborhood, which is about three hours from Devil’s Lake State Park.

The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office said Schmutzer’s killer was roughly 6 feet tall with a “slender to average build.” Jail records from Washington County, Arkansas, indicate McGann is 6 feet tall.

The Vermont State Police said in an Aug. 7 press release that detectives reached out to law enforcement in Arkansas to discuss the death of Honoree Fleming, whose body was found on the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail in Castleton.

“After the Vermont State Police learned of the recent double homicide of a couple on a hiking trail in Arkansas and the arrest of a suspect, VSP detectives took the routine step of contacting their counterparts in Arkansas to discuss the case,” the Vermont State Police wrote. “At this time, there is no known link between the suspect in that case and the Honoree Fleming homicide, or to Vermont in general.”

Honoree Fleming works at her laptop

Honoree Fleming, a biologist and former dean of education at the Vermont State University Castleton Campus, sits at her computer in an undated family photo. She was found shot dead on a hiking trail near the school Oct. 5, and police are asking for the public’s help finding a suspect. (Dean Powers)

Shane Wilkinson, a criminal defense attorney and former chief deputy prosecutor of Benton County, Arkansas, told Fox News Digital he thinks law enforcement agencies with unsolved hiking murders are likely taking a look at McGann.

“I think anybody that has an unsolved hiking trail murder, they’re probably taking note of this right now,” Wilkinson said.

Former homicide Det. Ted Williams told Fox News Digital McGann’s alleged murder has “raised a great deal of red flags all over the country.”

James Andrew McGann

Special agents with the Arkansas State Police arrested James Andrew McGann, 28, of Springdale, in a July 26, 2025, double homicide at Devil’s Den State Park.  (Arkansas State Police; Washington County Detention Center)

“I would have to believe not only are law enforcement in Wisconsin and Vermont interested in McGann. But they also interested him all over this country because of the manner in which he was alleged to have stabbed this couple to death,” Williams said. “And the manner in which he stabbed this couple there in Devil’s Den State Park would lead any law enforcement agency that has a similar situation, where someone has been stabbed to death, to definitely wanna look into Andrew McGann.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Night to Shine brings joy and royal treatment to First Coast guests with special needs

Night to Shine Delivers Unforgettable Royal Experience for First Coast Guests with Special Needs

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, thousands gathered at Jacksonville’s Prime…
Person detained for questioning in disappearance of Nancy Guthrie: report

Breaking: Key Developments in Nancy Guthrie Case – Multiple Detentions, Arrests Still Pending

In Tucson, a flurry of police activity overnight led to the detention…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Heated Dispute in Jacksonville’s Riverside Ends in Gunfire, Leaving Two Men Injured and Hospitalized

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports that both individuals sustained injuries that are…
Netanyahu urges court to revoke Palestinians' Israeli citizenship after convictions for violent crimes

Netanyahu Calls for Citizenship Revocation: A Controversial Move Against Convicted Palestinians

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated a legal move to…
Ukraine strikes major Russian ammo depot with 'Flamingo' missile as Trump urges Zelenskyy to move on deal

Ukraine Deploys ‘Flamingo’ Missile to Decimate Key Russian Ammo Depot Amid Trump’s Urge for Zelenskyy Peace Deal

This week, Ukraine showcased its military capabilities by releasing a video of…
Florida AG Uthmeier, Polk Sheriff Judd announce 51 arrests in multi-agency drug trafficking busts

Florida’s Major Drug Trafficking Crackdown: 51 Arrests Announced by AG Uthmeier and Sheriff Judd

In a significant drug bust, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd revealed that…
DOJ-Harvard news: Donald Trump administration's Department of Justice sues for data as it investigates race in admissions

DOJ Investigates Harvard Admissions: Trump-Era Lawsuit Seeks Data on Racial Policies

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has initiated legal action against Harvard University,…
'The Secret Agent' star Wagner Moura is making Oscars history: 'Beautiful moment for Brazilian culture'

Wagner Moura of ‘The Secret Agent’ Breaks New Ground at the Oscars: A Milestone for Brazilian Culture

LOS ANGELES — Wagner Moura has carved a niche in Oscars history,…
Uproar after Iran named vice-chair of UN body promoting democracy, women’s rights

Controversy Erupts as Iran Takes Key Role in UN Body on Democracy and Women’s Rights

UNITED NATIONS: Iran’s recent appointment as vice-chair of the United Nations Commission…
President Trump pardons 5 former NFL players for criminal convictions

President Trump Grants Pardons to Five Former NFL Stars: A New Chapter in Criminal Justice Reform

On Thursday, unexpected presidential pardons were revealed by the White House. In…
3 teens arrested after Glynn County carjacking incident leaves man shot in leg

Jacksonville Cop Arrested: Shocking Allegations of Assault at Local Business Emerge

This incident represents the fourth arrest involving a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office employee…
Over 190,000 'lethal' doses of cocaine seized in Valentine's Day week bust at southern border

Massive Cocaine Haul: 190,000 Doses Confiscated in Border Operation During Valentine’s Week

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the Laredo Port of…