A horrifying scene unfolded at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas on July 26, when Clinton and Cristen Brink were fatally attacked while hiking with their two young daughters. The children, ages 7 and 9, witnessed the assault but were unharmed. After a five-day manhunt and a flood of nationwide tips, authorities arrested 28-year-old Andrew James McGann, a former teacher who had recently relocated to Arkansas. He now faces two counts of capital murder.
Officials say McGann had no known connection to the victims, and they have not yet disclosed a motive. The investigation is ongoing, and while the park remains closed, the community is reeling. Family members and law enforcement have praised the bravery of the Brinks, who are remembered as devoted parents and protectors. The case has drawn widespread attention—and deep sorrow—as Arkansas grapples with the senseless violence that shattered what should have been a peaceful family outing.
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@cathadventurer What has gone wrong with Kids and why do so many grow up to be so monstrous? We have to ground our children in authentic Christian faith. ... See more
This tragedy is a grim reminder of why we must raise our children well—not just to be polite or successful, but to be rooted in Christ. A child may be innocent today, but the world is full of quiet distortions that can twist a heart by slow degrees. I don’t know if the accused murder was a Christian or not, but usually when someone grows to become monstrous, it happens because of lack of grounding as children. Not every “Christian” is rooted in Christ!
Without formation in the Catholic faith, without the sacraments and the moral compass of the Church, even a bright young soul can drift into darkness. Evil doesn’t usually arrive with a shout—it comes quietly, like a fog, and if a person isn't anchored, they'll lose their way before they realize they’re lost.
St. John Bosco once said, “It is not enough to love the young; they must know that they are loved.” That love finds its strongest expression in teaching them the truth, guiding them toward virtue, and showing them Christ. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). And if they do stray? Then like the prodigal son, they’ll at least know the way back. I emphasize this strongly, and frequently to many parents! “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). We’re not just raising children—we’re raising future saints. The stakes are that high.
Guys, please pray for the souls of Clinton and Cristen Brink, and for the consolation and healing of their children