Couple's children helped police nab Devil's Den killing suspect

(NewsNation) — Two young girls played a crucial role in helping catch their parents' alleged killer after they were attacked while hiking at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas, police say.

James Andrew McGann was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly killing Clinton and Cristen Brink Saturday as they visited the park with their daughters.

When cops rushed to the scene, the girls, ages 7 and 9, told them to people who found them something had happened to their parents on the trail, Maj. Stacie Rhoads of the Arkansas State Police said.

"That initial information that came from the kids gave us our first starting point, which was a description of a suspect," Rhoads said.

Other witnesses on trail gave information about McGann

Rhoads said another witness provided additional information about the suspect, later identified as McGann, including a vehicle — a sporty black sedan — that was seen leaving the park.

"Other witnesses came forward that were on the trail during the time that the murders occurred but didn't see the murders," Rhoads said. "They brought forth video footage, photographs they had taken on their day trip to the park."

Police were further able to zero in on McGann after they received dozens of tips and videos from homes and businesses along the routes in and out of the park.

Another couple on the trail came forward to say a man had given them a "death stare" when they came in contact with him.

“He was by himself. But the way he was in full black attire from top to bottom and on a mission it seemed, wearing a large mesh backpack, that was very out of place," they said.

Police got over 500 tips in the case, which helped them make the arrest.

McGann admitted killing couple to police

When captured by authorities, McGann “was completely cooperative," according to Rhoads. Authorities also found multiple knives at his residence.

Police believe McGann acted alone and they connected his DNA to the crime scene. They also executed a search warrant at his home and vehicle.

Mike Hagar with the Arkansas State Police said the investigation into the motive continues.

“We have no reason to believe that there was any known association between our suspect and the victims," he said.

Clinton, Cristen Brink were loving mother and father

Police said the Brinks were loving parents, and a wonderful husband and wife who sacrificed their lives to save their daughters.

"They absolutely protected those girls to the fullest extent, to the point that it cost them their lives," Hagar said.

"We're in awe of this mom and dad. We're also in awe of these girls. The information they were able to provide to start us on this path to be able to make this arrest, it all started with those two little girls. It's incredible."

McGann is being held without bond at the Washington County jail on two counts of capital murder.