Andrew James McGann, charged with attacking and killing an Arkansas couple who were hiking in a state park with their two young daughters, pleaded not guilty during his Aug. 14 arraignment.
McGann, whom authorities say did not know Clinton Brink, 43, and his wife Cristen, 41, was ordered held without bond until his trial, set for Nov. 14. Prosecutor Brandon Carter asked that McGann have no contact with the victims' families, and he said the state has not ruled out pursuing the death penalty against McGann, who is facing two capital murder charges.
Carter said he anticipated the court may issue a gag order "because of the notoriety this case is receiving. The order was not entertained today, but we’re putting that together," according to the Fort Smith Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network.
A gag order prevents trial participants from talking publicly about the trial, or those connected with it. Judges use them to deter trial interference.
McGann is represented by attorneys appointed by the Arkansas Public Defenders Commission.
