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Cold Blooded: Jordan

20/20

Wed Aug 27 2025

Summary

20/20: Cold Blooded Mystery in Alaska – Episode 5: "Jordan"

Date: August 27, 2025
Host: Chris Connelly (ABC News/20/20)

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the life of Jordan Joplin and his complex, ultimately tragic relationship with Dr. Eric Garcia—a respected Alaskan surgeon whose mysterious death became a riveting true crime case. Through interviews with family, former partners, and law enforcement, the episode traces Jordan’s early years, his search for attention and belonging, and his increasingly risky behavior that spiraled into theft, manipulation, and possible murder. The narrative intertwines true crime investigation with nuanced accounts of family dysfunction, secrets, and the vulnerabilities of both victim and alleged perpetrator.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jordan Joplin’s Childhood & Personality

Background: Raised in Forks, Washington, amid family instability and emotional neglect.
Craving Attention:
- Frequently acted out to attract notice, stating openly, “Oh yeah, nobody pays attention to me. And he’s right. He was right.” (Aunt Sandy, 04:48)
Early Signs of Trouble:
- Engaged in impulsive, risky behaviors; family noticed his tendency to be “rambunctious” and driven by an almost infectious energy.
  - “He would, instead of thinking about it, he would just do something and then go, oh, wow, that was fun.” (Aunt Sandy, 04:15)

Young Adulthood: Relationships & Criminality

Romantic Life:
- Had many girlfriends; often introduced them to his Aunt Sandy, but relationships were fleeting (05:33).
Brushes with the Law:
- Met Jessica Everton during community service (mandated after felony convictions for insurance fraud—he staged a car theft).
Theft Incident:
- Arrested for stealing GPS units from Walmart with Jessica; she ended their relationship after the incident, leading to Jordan’s controlling, threatening behaviors:
  - “If I can’t have you, nobody can.” (Jessica Everton, 09:28)
- Stalking escalated to the point Jessica secured a restraining order, which ended the harassment (09:57).

Contrasting Relationships: Manipulator or Charmer?

Others’ Experiences:
- Former friend Crescenta Lawrence described Jordan as generous, supportive, and energetic: “He was an angel. I was just happy to be a piece of furniture in his life. He radiated such energy about him...” (Crescenta, 11:44)
Attention-Seeking & Adult Industry:
- Enjoyed the spotlight—aspired to be a stripper, then moved into adult films.
- “He got that from dancing. But Jordan wanted to really, really make a name for himself.” (Crescenta, 12:32)
- Performed under aliases in same-sex films; used the name “Logan Cruz” when calling police during welfare checks (13:28).

Turning Point: Loss & Relocation

The death of Jordan’s mother in 2015 deeply affected him, destabilizing his emotional life further:
- “Losing his mom, that was his only link to sanity... To this day, I don’t think he’s gotten over it.” (Aunt Sandy, 14:02)
Afterward, Jordan began frequent trips to Ketchikan, Alaska to visit Dr. Garcia.
- “Once he hit Alaska, I didn’t see much of him after that. Once he went up to Alaska, everything kind of changed.” (Aunt Sandy, 14:19)

Dr. Eric Garcia: Victim Profile and Secretive Life

Background:
- Esteemed surgeon, devoted son, seen as successful but isolated.
Reserved Personal Life:
- Dr. Garcia’s family suspected he harbored secrets regarding his romantic life. Brother Saul reflects:
  - “I never really challenged him or questioned him as to, you know, his preferences, but certainly it would have been something hard to discuss…” (Saul, 20:51)
Attempt at Change:
- A life-threatening surgery led Dr. Garcia to reevaluate his priorities, possibly leaving him more vulnerable to Jordan’s attention (21:37-22:02).

The Hidden Relationship

Secrecy:
- Dr. Garcia kept his relationship with Jordan hidden from family and friends, only revealed posthumously.
Digital Trail:
- Police found extensive evidence of the relationship in texts and photos on Jordan’s phone.
  - Flirtatious and loving exchanges:
    - “Jordan: You look hot. Eric: Just for you, my love.” (Text excerpt, 24:32)
    - “Jordan, you are more than the love of my life. Eric, you are everything to me.” (24:32)
Manipulation & Fabrications:
- Jordan lied about having cancer to elicit sympathy. No other evidence of illness existed (25:51).

Troubling Incidents Before the Death

Disturbing Events:
- Close friend Carlos recounts an incident where Dr. Garcia lost consciousness after drinking something prepared by Jordan. Garcia awoke naked upstairs, with injuries consistent with being dragged (27:45).
- Found a note from Jordan: “If you are going to be suicidal, we cannot continue as a couple.” (Carlos, 28:17)
- Carlos urged Garcia to call the police: “This is dangerous.” (28:47)
Toxicity & Control:
- Jordan staged scenes of overdose or distress to control or manipulate Dr. Garcia’s psychological state, suggested by photos of Garcia appearing immobile with loose pills nearby (29:29).

Police Theory and Unanswered Questions

Investigation Conclusions:
- Police came to believe Jordan methodically exploited and stole from Dr. Garcia during their relationship.
  - “Dr. Garcia, with all his amazing abilities, was a vulnerable man. He met a predator by the name of Jordan Joplin, who was able to convince this man to support him in every way. And he stole everything of value that Dr. Garcia had, including his life.” (Officer Devin Miller, 31:26)
Lingering Mystery:
- Cause of death: morphine overdose, but no direct proof the morphine came from Jordan. “Is where did the morphine come from? There was no direct evidence that put morphine, Dr. Garcia’s ultimate cause of death, in Jordan’s possession.” (32:08)
After years with no new evidence, police finally uncover a lead when Jordan allegedly asks someone, “If I wanted to be able just to, like, off myself one day, like, how much do you think I would need?” (32:29)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Jordan's Need for Attention:
- “He would, instead of thinking about it, he would just do something and then go, oh, wow, that was fun. Let’s do it again.” (Aunt Sandy, 04:15)
Jessica's Experience with Jordan's Stalking:
- “If I can’t have you, nobody can.” (Jessica Everton, 09:28)
On Jordan’s Charisma:
- “He radiated such energy about him that anybody would want to be around him.” (Crescenta Lawrence, 11:44)
About the Hidden Relationship:
- “He never mentioned anything about any type of relationship or romantic involvement with anybody or anyone. He kept a lot of his personal life to himself. I… I didn’t know a lot about them until after his passing.” (Bob Jackson, 22:48)
Carlos on the Dangerous Incident:
- “That was the last thing he remembered… he was naked lying on the second floor of his house… his lower back injury was not from hiking. It was consistent with being dragged up a flight of stairs.” (Carlos, 27:45)
Investigative Summary:
- “He stole everything of value that Dr. Garcia had, including his life.” (Officer Devin Miller, 31:26)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Jordan’s Childhood & Impulsiveness: 03:05 – 05:27
Jessica Everton & Legal Troubles: 05:56 – 09:57
Stalking and Restraining Order: 09:11 – 10:08
Crescenta Lawrence and Adult Industry: 10:25 – 13:28
Mother’s Death & Move to Alaska: 14:02 – 14:35
Dr. Garcia's Life & Private Nature: 18:02 – 22:09
Jordan and Dr. Garcia's Relationship: 24:32 – 25:51
Carlos’ Story – The Dangerous Drink: 26:34 – 28:47
Letters, Photos, and Overdose Manipulation: 29:29 – 31:26
Police Theory and Open Questions: 31:26 – 32:37

Tone

The episode weaves empathy with investigative rigor—unpacking the layered personalities and vulnerabilities of both the victim and the suspected perpetrator. It is deeply personal, often tragic, and colored with moments of insight that humanize even the most troubling behaviors.

Summary

Episode 5, “Jordan,” offers a multidimensional portrait of Jordan Joplin—his charisma, craving for attention, criminal tendencies, and relationships—while also honoring the memory and complexity of Dr. Eric Garcia, whose secretive life and vulnerability exposed him to manipulation. With careful detail and direct testimony, the episode sets the stage for the next revelation: how did the morphine that killed Dr. Garcia come to be in his system, and can justice ever be truly served in a case so riddled with secrets and heartbreak?

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Transcript

Debra Roberts / Aunt Sandy / Jessica Everton / Ashley Graham / Various Advertisers (0:00)

This is Debra Roberts here with another weekly episode of our latest series from 2020 and ABC Audio, Cold Blooded Mystery in Alaska. Remember, you can get new episodes early if you follow Cold Blooded Mystery in Alaska on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Now, here's the episode. So good, so good, so good. Ready to rack to school and save big? Get to your Nordstrom Rack store today for thousand of deals from just $20. Cause I want to look fresh. How did I not know Rack has Adidas? I got a new backpack. Score. Everyone's favorite denim sneakers, boots and activewear from Nike, Levi's, Steve Madden, Madewell and Free People. Great brands, great prices. Everyone's got a reason to rack Shop Nordstrom Rack and make it the best school year ever.

Chris Connelly / Narrator / Police Sergeant Eric Madsen / Officer Devin Miller / Various Interviewees (0:55)

In the weeks after Dr. Eric Garcia's death, police learned a lot about Jordan Joplin. They came to believe Jordan was a thief, that he stole Dr. Garcia's vast collection of valuables. Police also surmised that Jordan and Dr. Garcia had been involved romantically, judging from the handwritten notes found in both men's homes. And police also found a disturbing video on Jordan's cell phone. It appeared to show Dr. Garcia gasping for air and near death, lying on the couch where police discovered his body. The video put Jordan in the room with Dr. Garcia as he lay dying. But damning as the video was, it wasn't quite a smoking gun. Police knew Dr. Garcia's ultimate cause of death was a morphine overdose. But remember, no morphine had been found in Dr. Garcia's house. Police still didn't know how that fatal dose ended up in the doctor's system. So what happened before Jordan began recording that video? What unfolded between Jordan Joplin and Dr. Eric Garcia was years in the making. What in Jordan Joplin's life led him to this moment? And how did his relationship with Dr. Garcia go so terribly wrong? I'm Chris Connelly from ABC Audio and 20 20. This is cold blooded mystery in Alaska. Episode 5 Jordan.

Debra Roberts / Aunt Sandy / Jessica Everton / Ashley Graham / Various Advertisers (3:05)

Jordan's dream was just to take care of everybody. He just wanted to take care of everybody. He always said that when I get older, Aunt Sandy, I'm going to get rich and I'm going to take care of all you.

Chris Connelly / Narrator / Police Sergeant Eric Madsen / Officer Devin Miller / Various Interviewees (3:14)

Sandra Flores was raising three boys in rural Washington when her younger sister moved to town after a divorce. Her sister's youngest, Jordan, was a year and a half old at the time. They were living in Forks, Washington. Forks was once a prosperous logging town. Today, it's better known as the hometown of Dreamy fictional vampires, as in the movie Twilight.

Chris Connelly / Narrator / Police Sergeant Eric Madsen / Officer Devin Miller / Various Interviewees (18:02)

Friday. The story of Jordan Joplin's life contained chapters that were quite risque. Friends say he dated multiple women at once, worked as a stripper, acted in adult films and grew cannabis without a license. Sometimes his impulses took him not just outside polite society, but outside the law. And he had the rap sheet to prove it. Dr. Eric Garcia's life could not have been more different. His path in life was a picture of respectability. As a teenager, he'd become fascinated by medicine. He went on to become a skilled surgeon, beloved by his colleagues and patients. In his free time, he traveled the world often treating his mom and dad to luxury cruises. He was a good son, a good doctor, and one would think he might have made a good life partner. But loved ones say Dr. Garcia's devotion to work often left little room for a personal life. Here's his brother, Saul. I know that he dated when he was young, and mostly I know this from my sister, because my sister actually got more into his business than I did. So I think I left those topics alone. Saul didn't discuss romantic matters with his older brother. That's just how their relationship was. And as years went by, that's how it stayed. I got married, my brother got married, my sister got married. Then it was just him that hadn't been married. I was wondering, will he get into a relationship with somebody? But as time went on, I realized that that was just not in his cards. By all accounts, Dr. Garcia was kind, charming, accomplished, and, of course, flush with cash. Why hadn't he found someone to share his life with? The easiest explanation was his work, that he was totally devoted to his job. But Saul Garcia suspected there might have been something else that his brother was grappling with. I never really challenged him or questioned him as to, you know, his preferences, but certainly it would have been something hard to discuss with my. My mom or my dad. So I think my brother saw that, too, so he didn't want to go there. A few years after Moving to Ketchikan, Dr. Garcia went to the doctor himself. After experiencing shortness of breath, he was told he needed heart surgery. We mentioned this in episode 2. He was medevaced to Seattle, where doctors performed a triple bypass. Saul Garcia remembers that brush with death as a turning point. I was there for the surgery and afterwards, and I don't know if it was the anesthesia or the sedation that they gave him, but he was like, oh, I love you so much. And, I mean, he was just expressing that he should have been with us more, that he spent so much time, you know, working and, well, I mean.

Summary

20/20: Cold Blooded Mystery in Alaska – Episode 5: "Jordan"

Date: August 27, 2025
Host: Chris Connelly (ABC News/20/20)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jordan Joplin’s Childhood & Personality

Background: Raised in Forks, Washington, amid family instability and emotional neglect.
Craving Attention:
- Frequently acted out to attract notice, stating openly, “Oh yeah, nobody pays attention to me. And he’s right. He was right.” (Aunt Sandy, 04:48)
Early Signs of Trouble:
- Engaged in impulsive, risky behaviors; family noticed his tendency to be “rambunctious” and driven by an almost infectious energy.
  - “He would, instead of thinking about it, he would just do something and then go, oh, wow, that was fun.” (Aunt Sandy, 04:15)

Young Adulthood: Relationships & Criminality

Romantic Life:
- Had many girlfriends; often introduced them to his Aunt Sandy, but relationships were fleeting (05:33).
Brushes with the Law:
- Met Jessica Everton during community service (mandated after felony convictions for insurance fraud—he staged a car theft).
Theft Incident:
- Arrested for stealing GPS units from Walmart with Jessica; she ended their relationship after the incident, leading to Jordan’s controlling, threatening behaviors:
  - “If I can’t have you, nobody can.” (Jessica Everton, 09:28)
- Stalking escalated to the point Jessica secured a restraining order, which ended the harassment (09:57).

Contrasting Relationships: Manipulator or Charmer?

Others’ Experiences:
- Former friend Crescenta Lawrence described Jordan as generous, supportive, and energetic: “He was an angel. I was just happy to be a piece of furniture in his life. He radiated such energy about him...” (Crescenta, 11:44)
Attention-Seeking & Adult Industry:
- Enjoyed the spotlight—aspired to be a stripper, then moved into adult films.
- “He got that from dancing. But Jordan wanted to really, really make a name for himself.” (Crescenta, 12:32)
- Performed under aliases in same-sex films; used the name “Logan Cruz” when calling police during welfare checks (13:28).

Turning Point: Loss & Relocation

The death of Jordan’s mother in 2015 deeply affected him, destabilizing his emotional life further:
- “Losing his mom, that was his only link to sanity... To this day, I don’t think he’s gotten over it.” (Aunt Sandy, 14:02)
Afterward, Jordan began frequent trips to Ketchikan, Alaska to visit Dr. Garcia.
- “Once he hit Alaska, I didn’t see much of him after that. Once he went up to Alaska, everything kind of changed.” (Aunt Sandy, 14:19)

Dr. Eric Garcia: Victim Profile and Secretive Life

Background:
- Esteemed surgeon, devoted son, seen as successful but isolated.
Reserved Personal Life:
- Dr. Garcia’s family suspected he harbored secrets regarding his romantic life. Brother Saul reflects:
  - “I never really challenged him or questioned him as to, you know, his preferences, but certainly it would have been something hard to discuss…” (Saul, 20:51)
Attempt at Change:
- A life-threatening surgery led Dr. Garcia to reevaluate his priorities, possibly leaving him more vulnerable to Jordan’s attention (21:37-22:02).

The Hidden Relationship

Secrecy:
- Dr. Garcia kept his relationship with Jordan hidden from family and friends, only revealed posthumously.
Digital Trail:
- Police found extensive evidence of the relationship in texts and photos on Jordan’s phone.
  - Flirtatious and loving exchanges:
    - “Jordan: You look hot. Eric: Just for you, my love.” (Text excerpt, 24:32)
    - “Jordan, you are more than the love of my life. Eric, you are everything to me.” (24:32)
Manipulation & Fabrications:
- Jordan lied about having cancer to elicit sympathy. No other evidence of illness existed (25:51).

Troubling Incidents Before the Death

Disturbing Events:
- Close friend Carlos recounts an incident where Dr. Garcia lost consciousness after drinking something prepared by Jordan. Garcia awoke naked upstairs, with injuries consistent with being dragged (27:45).
- Found a note from Jordan: “If you are going to be suicidal, we cannot continue as a couple.” (Carlos, 28:17)
- Carlos urged Garcia to call the police: “This is dangerous.” (28:47)
Toxicity & Control:
- Jordan staged scenes of overdose or distress to control or manipulate Dr. Garcia’s psychological state, suggested by photos of Garcia appearing immobile with loose pills nearby (29:29).

Police Theory and Unanswered Questions

Investigation Conclusions:
- Police came to believe Jordan methodically exploited and stole from Dr. Garcia during their relationship.
  - “Dr. Garcia, with all his amazing abilities, was a vulnerable man. He met a predator by the name of Jordan Joplin, who was able to convince this man to support him in every way. And he stole everything of value that Dr. Garcia had, including his life.” (Officer Devin Miller, 31:26)
Lingering Mystery:
- Cause of death: morphine overdose, but no direct proof the morphine came from Jordan. “Is where did the morphine come from? There was no direct evidence that put morphine, Dr. Garcia’s ultimate cause of death, in Jordan’s possession.” (32:08)
After years with no new evidence, police finally uncover a lead when Jordan allegedly asks someone, “If I wanted to be able just to, like, off myself one day, like, how much do you think I would need?” (32:29)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Jordan's Need for Attention:
- “He would, instead of thinking about it, he would just do something and then go, oh, wow, that was fun. Let’s do it again.” (Aunt Sandy, 04:15)
Jessica's Experience with Jordan's Stalking:
- “If I can’t have you, nobody can.” (Jessica Everton, 09:28)
On Jordan’s Charisma:
- “He radiated such energy about him that anybody would want to be around him.” (Crescenta Lawrence, 11:44)
About the Hidden Relationship:
- “He never mentioned anything about any type of relationship or romantic involvement with anybody or anyone. He kept a lot of his personal life to himself. I… I didn’t know a lot about them until after his passing.” (Bob Jackson, 22:48)
Carlos on the Dangerous Incident:
- “That was the last thing he remembered… he was naked lying on the second floor of his house… his lower back injury was not from hiking. It was consistent with being dragged up a flight of stairs.” (Carlos, 27:45)
Investigative Summary:
- “He stole everything of value that Dr. Garcia had, including his life.” (Officer Devin Miller, 31:26)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Jordan’s Childhood & Impulsiveness: 03:05 – 05:27
Jessica Everton & Legal Troubles: 05:56 – 09:57
Stalking and Restraining Order: 09:11 – 10:08
Crescenta Lawrence and Adult Industry: 10:25 – 13:28
Mother’s Death & Move to Alaska: 14:02 – 14:35
Dr. Garcia's Life & Private Nature: 18:02 – 22:09
Jordan and Dr. Garcia's Relationship: 24:32 – 25:51
Carlos’ Story – The Dangerous Drink: 26:34 – 28:47
Letters, Photos, and Overdose Manipulation: 29:29 – 31:26
Police Theory and Open Questions: 31:26 – 32:37