Podcast Summary

Podcast: 20/20 – Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska

Episode 6: "Legion of Lies"

Host: Chris Connelly (Narrator/Host)
Date: September 3, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of "20/20: Cold Blooded Mystery in Alaska" dives into the stunning details and courtroom drama surrounding the murder of Dr. Eric Garcia in Ketchikan, Alaska. It investigates the trail that led to Jordan Joplin’s arrest and ultimate conviction, examining the relationships, evidence, and legal strategies that brought this chilling case to its conclusion. The episode includes first-hand interviews, emotional testimonies, and highlights from the pivotal trial that resulted in Joplin’s conviction.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Unsolved Mystery of Morphine

• Challenge for Investigators: Even after Jordan Joplin’s arrest for theft and indictment for murder, a crucial element was missing: the source of the morphine that killed Dr. Garcia. (00:09)
• Breakthrough Witness: In 2019, a tipster led police to Amanda Pulreich, who admitted to selling morphine to Joplin months before Dr. Garcia’s death. (03:22)

Amanda Pulreich’s Statement on Relationship Dynamics & Drug Transfer

"He was his sugar daddy. He was his financial everything. Everything he owns is from the doctor pretty much." – Amanda Pulreich (04:49)
"He was like, 'If I wanted to be able just to, like, off myself one day, like, how much do you think I would need?' And I was like, well, why would you talk like that?" – Amanda Pulreich (05:48)

• Amanda denied knowing how Joplin used the morphine. Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and her fear, Amanda’s cooperation led to no charges against her. (07:14)

The Prosecution’s Case & Evidence

• Joplin's Arrest and Charges: Jordan Joplin was charged with theft and first- and second-degree murder after being extradited to Alaska. (00:09)
• Grand Jury Indictment: Joplin pleaded not guilty, resulting in a high-profile trial relocated from Ketchikan to Anchorage due to publicity and possible local bias. (09:10)

Prosecution’s Central Argument:

"The defendant, Jordan Joplin, took out his cell phone, and he took a video of Dr. Eric Garcia unconscious, gasping for air and close to death." – Prosecutor Mark Clark (10:39)

• Prosecutors outlined a meticulous, premeditated crime for financial gain:
  • Joplin recorded a video of Garcia in apparent medical distress.
  • A series of cover-ups included tampering with home security systems and staging the scene (e.g., removing smoke detectors, propping open the balcony door, moving valuables).
  • Financial transactions showed Joplin transferred and spent Garcia’s money freely. (13:00)

On Relationship Motive:

"For Dr. Garcia, this was true love, and for Jordan Joplin, it was a transactional relationship." – Prosecutor Mark Clark (13:59)

The Defense Strategy and Arguments

• The defense emphasized Dr. Garcia's struggles with pain, stress, and possible depression, suggesting he consumed the morphine himself. (14:44)
• Testimonies from Garcia’s physician and friends countered this, saying Garcia had no history of depression or suicidal behavior. (15:16)
• Joplin’s defense depicted Garcia as a man with secrets who could have been seeking relief from anxiety or physical pain.

Jordan Joplin Takes the Stand

Presentation & Demeanor:

• Joplin, once described as vibrant and flamboyant, appeared subdued and conventional in court. (21:42)
• He calmly answered questions about his background: "I was a dancer, a porn star, and a massage therapist." – Jordan Joplin (22:26)
• Described his relationship with Garcia as loving, though complicated by other relationships.

On the Financial Support:

"He liked to give gifts. I know he was. He was trying to help me out financially so I wouldn't have to work other things and work on the babies more." ("babies" refers to his marijuana plants) – Jordan Joplin (24:38)

On Events Surrounding the Crime:

• Joplin’s timeline for his actions conflicted with evidence and prior statements.
• He claimed Garcia was alive when he left after a prolonged nap, despite evidence to the contrary.
• He acknowledged taking a video of Garcia in distress but claimed it was at his ex-girlfriend’s request (29:11).

Confronted with Contradictions:

• Prosecutor Clark meticulously pointed out inconsistencies and outright lies by Joplin, dismantling the defense's theory and arguing Joplin had a pattern of deception.

"You have two options... Did you think Dr. Garcia's health was in jeopardy when you left but didn't call 911 because of his job, or did you think he was fine? You cannot have both. Which one?" – Prosecutor Mark Clark (33:44)

• Joplin consistently denied guilt, despite mounting evidence. (34:13)

Closings and Verdict

Prosecution’s Closing Message:

• Replayed the distressing video; argued Joplin did nothing to help Garcia because he was covering up a crime. (35:48)
• Highlighted the overwhelming weight of circumstantial and direct evidence.

Defense’s Closing Argument:

• Characterized the case details as "red herrings" and underscored the possibility of suicide, noting Garcia’s privacy and personality traits. (37:11)

Prosecution’s Rebuttal:

• Dismantled the defense's narrative, affirming Amanda Pulreich’s clear and consistent testimony as the only credible explanation for the morphine’s source.

"She has nothing to gain by her testimony. She had no motive whatsoever to lie." – Prosecutor (38:31)

• Stressed the improbability of so many incriminating coincidences.

Verdict, Sentencing, and Legacy

• The jury found Joplin guilty on all counts: theft, first-degree murder, and second-degree murder. (40:03)
• Sentencing: Joplin received 99 years in prison—the maximum in Alaska—described by the judge as fitting for the case’s "brazen and craven" actions. (45:40)
• Emotional victim impact statements were delivered by Dr. Garcia's family, notably his brother Saul who confronted Joplin directly.

"You have chosen your fate. I’m here today to seek justice for Eric and collect on all your failed gambles to ensure your unconscious wish of becoming imprisoned for life becomes a reality." – Saul Garcia (43:00)

Judge’s Reflection:

"In 40 years of doing this, this case simply stands out by how brazen and how craven the action was." (45:12)

Dr. Garcia’s Legacy

• Friends and family honored Dr. Garcia by dedicating a tree in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, creating a place for remembrance and comfort. (47:40)
• His impact remains alive in both Alaska and Puerto Rico.

Inspiring Words Remembered:

"Carlos, life is short. You have to enjoy life." – Dr. Garcia (48:26)

Key Timestamps

• [00:09] – Setup of the case and indictment
• [03:22] – Recording Amanda Pulreich’s conversation about morphine
• [10:39] – Prosecution opening: The “smoking gun” video
• [21:42] – Joplin takes the stand
• [29:11] – Joplin’s explanation of the video evidence
• [33:44] – Prosecution’s cross-examination contradictions
• [35:48] – Closing arguments
• [40:03] – Guilty verdict
• [45:40] – Sentencing to 99 years
• [47:40] – Dr. Garcia’s memorial and legacy

Notable Quotes

• Amanda Pulreich:
  • "He was his sugar daddy. He was his financial everything." (04:49)
• Prosecutor Mark Clark:
  • "The defendant, Jordan Joplin, took out his cell phone, and he took a video of Dr. Eric Garcia unconscious, gasping for air and close to death." (10:39)
  • "For Dr. Garcia, this was true love, and for Jordan Joplin, it was a transactional relationship." (13:59)
• Jordan Joplin:
  • "I was a dancer, a porn star, and a massage therapist." (22:26)
  • "He liked to give gifts... so I wouldn’t have to work other things and work on the babies more." (24:38)
  • Admits to lying for sympathy and benefit: "I have lied to get sympathy. That's correct." (34:51)
• Saul Garcia (victim statement):
  • "You have chosen your fate. I’m here today to seek justice for Eric and collect on all your failed gambles to ensure your unconscious wish of becoming imprisoned for life becomes a reality." (43:00)

Episode Tone

The episode balances investigative rigor with deep emotional resonance, moving from methodical reconstruction of evidence and courtroom exchanges to the raw feelings of loss and the search for closure.

Conclusion

"Legion of Lies" offers a thorough look inside one of Alaska’s most shocking and complex murder cases, exploring not just the mechanics of crime and punishment but the enduring impact of tragedy and the quest for justice. Through methodical storytelling, direct quotes, and vivid witness recollections, this episode delivers the full arc of a true crime saga—and the lingering lessons of a life cut short.