A new hearing scheduled in Andrew McGann’s double murder trial by a Washington County judge.   McGann, 29, charged  with the July stabbing deaths of Clinton and Cristen Brink.   He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.  Judge Joanna Taylor scheduled a status hearing for January 15, 2026. 

At McGann' last court appearance in November, he appeared in civilian clothes and without visible restraints.  He attorneys have file a number of motions including ones that would exclude the death penalty.  Washington County Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter says his office intends to pursue the death penalty.

The former teacher's arrest for the cruel double murder of a mom and dad trying to save their two young daughters from a vicious attack during a family hike on a trail in Arkansas, known as Devil’s Den State Park, ended a five-day manhunt for the alleged predator.

Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were hiking with their 7- and 9-year-old daughters through Devil’s Den State Park when a man attacked them on the trail around 2:30 p.m., officials say. The two young girls ran to safety as they heard their mother's screams echoing; currently, both girls are with family members and suffered no physical injuries. The parents are being hailed as heroes for saving their daughters from the vicious fatal attack. 

James Andrew McGann, 28, was arrested in Springdale, Arkansas, around 30 miles from the crime scene at a hair salon. getting his hair cut, possibly shaved. McGann is charged with two counts of capital murder, according to a release from the Arkansas State Police. The motive for the brutal attack that resulted in the deaths of both parents is still unclear.

Joining Nancy Grace today:

• Andrea Lewis - Partner at Searcy Law in Pam Beach, Florida, Former Felony Prosecutor at Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office - where Epstein was prosecuted, President of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, WEBSITE: searcylaw.com 
• Dr. Janie Lacy - Licensed Psychotherapist and CEO of Life Counseling Solutions, Author of "How To Heal From A Toxic Relationship: A Guide To Reclaiming Your Mental Health and Happiness", Host of “The Resilient Professional” Podcast on YouTube, janielacy.com, Instagram & Facebook: @JanieLacy  
• Ron Bateman - Former Sheriff for Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Former Homicide and Undercover Narcotics Detective, Author of Crime Ttrilogy, "Silent Blue Tears" [he is currently directing and producing a film documentary on the murders at the Capital Gazette Newspaper in Annapolis];.X: Ronbatemanbooks  
• Dr. Michelle DuPre - Forensic Pathologist and Consultant, Medical Examiner and Detective: Lexington County Sheriff's Department; Author: “Money, Mischief, and Murder: The Murdaugh Dynasty...the Rest of the Story," "Homicide Investigation Field Guide" & "Child Abuse Investigation Field Guide;"Currently Working on New Book: "The Inside Story" 
• Carsen Holaday- Senior News Reporter, The U.S. Sun 
• Sydney Sumner - CRIME STORIES Investigative Reporter