Cold Blooded: A Little Unusual - Episode Summary

Released on July 30, 2025 by ABC News' 20/20

Introduction to the Mystery

Debra Roberts opens the episode by introducing the new podcast series, Cold Blooded Mystery in Alaska. This series delves into the enigmatic death of Dr. Eric Garcia, a beloved surgeon in Ketchikan, Alaska. Listeners are promised a tale of secret romances, significant thefts, and deep betrayals spanning six weeks.

The Initial Welfare Checks

[01:18] Officer Devin Miller recounts the events leading up to the discovery of Dr. Garcia's body. On March 27, 2017, he was dispatched to conduct a welfare check on Dr. Garcia after receiving a distressed call from Jordan Joplin, who feared Garcia was contemplating suicide.

[02:07] Chris Connolly emphasizes the prominence of Dr. Garcia in the small community:
"Eric Garcia was one of just two surgeons in Ketchikan, making him an essential figure in this remote town."

[03:17] Chris Connolly describes Officer Miller's observations as two unfamiliar vehicles arrive at Garcia's secluded home, raising suspicions due to the presence of Garcia's known red Ford pickup unexpectedly parked at the airport.

Discovery of Dr. Garcia

Upon entering the house, [05:19] Jordan Joplin hears a faint voice and realizes Dr. Garcia is present but unresponsive. Officer Miller describes the somber scene:
"There was a sectional sofa with Dr. Garcia lying dead, surrounded by an eerie silence broken only by the March wind."
The immediate impact on Officer Miller was profound, marking the moment as one he would never forget.

Background of Dr. Eric Garcia

Chris Connolly provides a comprehensive background on Dr. Garcia, highlighting his Puerto Rican roots and his dedication to medicine since childhood. His brother, Saul Garcia, shares personal anecdotes illustrating Eric's compassionate nature and commitment to family, particularly in caring for their grandmother despite his demanding career.

[09:58] Chris Connolly explains how a serendipitous encounter on an Alaskan cruise led to Garcia's recruitment in Ketchikan, a town known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning natural beauty. Despite his diverse background and the stark contrast of moving from Eagle Pass, Texas, to the remote Alaskan town, Garcia seamlessly integrated into the community over nearly a decade.

Life in Ketchikan

Dave Kiffer, a fourth-generation resident and former mayor, provides historical context about Ketchikan's evolution from a gold rush hub to a salmon canning powerhouse and now a thriving tourist destination. The town's ability to reinvent itself through various boom and bust cycles underscores its resilience and the tight-knit nature of its community.

[15:26] Dave Kiffer remarks:
"Ketchikan's ability to survive through multiple economic upheavals is a testament to its stubborn spirit."

The Mystery Deepens

The narrative takes a darker turn as [21:29] Jordan Joplin reveals her deep concern for Dr. Garcia's wellbeing, having previously warned about his suicidal tendencies. Despite initial reassurances from Dr. Garcia's office, persistent worry led Jordan to travel to Ketchikan with Dawn Hink, Dr. Garcia's close friend and colleague.

Dawn Hink shares her last interactions with Garcia:
"He showed up wearing his vacation shirt, but there was a solemnness about him that I couldn't quite place."
Her growing unease was compounded when Garcia failed to respond to her messages, culminating in her and Jordan's visit that ultimately led to the discovery of his body.

Investigation and Unanswered Questions

Upon discovering Garcia's body, Officer Miller notes several peculiarities in the scene, such as an open door propped by a pillow and unfinished barbecuing efforts, hinting at possible foul play or an unusual circumstance surrounding his death. [32:33] Chris Connolly summarizes Officer Miller's confusion:
"How is he here and his truck is at the airport? Why did his work think he was out of town?"

Further complicating the case, a friend reveals the existence of a locked storage unit beneath Garcia's stairs containing valuables worth half a million dollars, including wine, gold, and coins ([33:33] Chris Connolly). This discovery suggests potential motives rooted in theft or betrayal.

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

The episode concludes with unresolved questions about Dr. Garcia's death, setting the stage for deeper investigations into the secrets and deceptions that may have led to this tragic event.

Chris Connolly teases the next installment:
"Next time on Cold Blooded Mystery in Alaska, Investigators search Dr. Garcia's house again, looking for those valuables, only to find more unusual clues."

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Eric Garcia was a central figure in Ketchikan, respected both professionally and personally.
• Multiple welfare checks revealed inconsistencies in Garcia's state and whereabouts leading up to his death.
• The discovery of valuable items in a locked storage unit introduces potential theft or financial motives.
• The community's tight connections and Garcia's hidden personal life add layers of complexity to the mystery.

Notable Quotes

• Chris Connolly on Ketchikan's resilience:
  "Ketchikan's ability to survive through multiple economic upheavals is a testament to its stubborn spirit." [15:26]

• Dawn Hink reflecting on Garcia's demeanor:
  "He showed up wearing his vacation shirt, but there was a solemnness about him that I couldn't quite place." [24:05]

• Chris Connolly summarizing Officer Miller's confusion:
  "How is he here and his truck is at the airport? Why did his work think he was out of town?" [32:33]

Stay tuned for the next episode of Cold Blooded Mystery in Alaska as the investigation into Dr. Eric Garcia's death unravels deeper secrets and unexpected twists.