A man charged in the murder of a married couple in a forest in Arkansas was a teacher in Lewisville ISD, the district confirmed Thursday.

Andrew James McGann, accused of killing Clinton and Cristen Brink at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas, was previously a teacher at Donald Elementary during the 2022–23 school year, according to a statement from the district provided to CBS News Texas. He was placed on administrative leave in the spring of 2023 and later resigned after the district investigated him for "concerns related to classroom management, professional judgment, and student favoritism."

Lewisville ISD said its internal investigation found no evidence of inappropriate behavior with students.

Parent recalls troubling classroom behavior

But what some parents remember about him has taken on new weight in light of the charges.

"I was shocked and horrified and saddened, but also angry," said Sierra Marcum, whose son was in McGann's class. "Honestly, because there were signs that not all was right with Mr. McGann."

In August 2022, McGann introduced himself to families at the North Texas elementary school in a now-deleted Facebook post.

Marcum said her son had expressed discomfort with how McGann treated female students, claiming he gave them extra treats and kept some in his classroom alone during recess.

"Really, the tipping point for him, I think, was when he overheard Mr. McGann tell one of the little girls, 'If you were older, I would love to marry you,'" Marcum said. "That was the day he came home and started crying."

Mother questions district's response

Marcum, however, remains unconvinced by the district's findings.

"You drop off your kids every day, and you're entrusting these people," she said. "And we were literally dropping our kids off to a monster. The fact that he was allowed to continue teaching is what blows my mind."

Marcum said her son was upset by the news but proud that he spoke up.

"He does not care if people think he is a tattletale or a whistleblower or whatever else," she said. "And I hope that's the lesson he takes away — to keep doing that, even if it upsets people and he faces backlash."

Lewisville ISD referred all other questions to law enforcement.

"Our hearts are with the victims and all those affected by this tragic situation. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority, and we are committed to supporting our school community during this time," the district said in the statement.

State board member calls for review

"So, it really does seem like that the ball was dropped here," said Brandon Hall, a member of the Texas State Board of Education representing District 11.

Hall said the case highlights a gap in the system, noting that because McGann wasn't charged with a crime, nothing appeared on his teaching record, making it easier for him to be hired again.

"And so a thorough investigation needs to take place. What red flags were seen that prompted that investigation in Lewisville ISD?" Hall added.

Hall said Texas has passed laws to improve educator reporting, including Senate Bill 571, which was signed into law in May. The legislation expanded access to the state's Do Not Hire registries and strengthened the Texas Education Agency's authority to investigate misconduct.

However, Hall said more can be done to flag teachers with any allegations or history of misconduct.

"But no matter what systems we have in place, our ISDs really have to do their due diligence as they're in the hiring process for teachers or any school employee to really dig into their background and make sure that our students are protected," he said.

McGann passed background checks elsewhere

McGann was a teacher at a small Oklahoma school district until May of this year, and then resigned to take a job in another state, according to a statement from Sand Springs Public Schools, which is near Tulsa. It added that McGann had passed all background checks.

McGann had not yet started his new job in Arkansas at Springdale Public Schools, said Jared Cleveland, the district superintendent. He said the district could not provide more information, citing the investigation.

Couple killed while hiking with kids

Law enforcement in Arkansas say McGann is responsible for the murders of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41.
They were found dead on July 26 at Devil's Den State Park in Washington County.

The couple was hiking with their two daughters, ages 7 and 9, when they were attacked, state police said. Their daughters were not hurt and are being cared for by family members.

State police arrested McGann on Wednesday after a five-day manhunt roughly 30 miles north of the park where the killings took place.