20/20 After Show: Cold Blooded – Detailed Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: 20/20
- Host/Author: ABC News
- Episode: The After Show: Cold Blooded
- Release Date: August 11, 2025
- Description: Unforgettable true crime mysteries, exclusive newsmaker interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports, and in-depth coverage of high-profile stories. Accessible throughout the week with the official 20/20 After Show, the True Crime Vault, and spotlighting true crime originals.
Introduction
In "The After Show: Cold Blooded," hosts Debra Roberts and Chris Connelly delve into the perplexing case of Dr. Eric Garcia, a beloved surgeon from Ketchikan, Alaska. This episode uncovers the intricate layers of Garcia's life, his sudden disappearance, and the shocking revelations that followed his untimely death.
The Disappearance and Discovery of Dr. Eric Garcia
The episode opens with the unsettling disappearance of Dr. Eric Garcia in March 2017. Garcia, a respected surgeon in the small town of Ketchikan, Alaska, vanished without a trace, prompting his concerned parents to alert the authorities after ten days of no communication.
Debra Roberts introduces the case:
“A beloved doctor goes missing, then is found dead. A man that people said had no enemies. But it turns out he had a lot of secrets.”
[00:37]
Upon investigation, police found Garcia dead on his couch with no immediate signs of foul play or forced entry. However, the scenario grew more mysterious as officers discovered that hundreds of thousands of dollars in valuables were missing from his home.
Chris Connelly highlights the peculiarity:
“There was nothing left. Nothing left. Who could have gotten into the house so easily and stolen from Dr. Garcia so brazenly?”
[02:41]
Background on Dr. Eric Garcia and Ketchikan
Dr. Garcia was more than just a surgeon; he was an integral part of the Ketchikan community. Originally from Puerto Rico, Garcia trained in Chicago and worked as a surgeon on the Rio Grande before relocating to Alaska. His affinity for Ketchikan grew after discovering it during a cruise, leading him to settle in the town known for its breathtaking natural beauty and bustling cruise ship activity.
Debra Roberts paints a vivid picture of Ketchikan:
“Population of Ketchikan is about 8,000 or so, but that comes with an asterisk because between the months of April and October, Ketchikan is a cruise ship mecca.”
[04:56]
Garcia was beloved by residents and patients alike, earning the affectionate title of a "fatherly figure" in the community. His kindness and compassion left a lasting impact, as evidenced by memorial tributes like the tree planted in his honor at the local hospital.
Chris Connelly reflects on community sentiments:
“People wanted you to know what a special human being Dr. Eric Garcia was.”
[05:36]
The Investigation Unfolds
The investigation into Garcia’s death unveiled a web of deception and hidden facets of his life. Initial observations suggested possible foul play, especially given the missing valuables and unusual placement of items like a barbecue grill and absent smoke detectors in his home.
Debra Roberts questions the nature of Garcia’s death:
“Is it a suicide? Is it a murder? What is it?”
[02:52]
Authorities delved deep into Garcia's financial records, uncovering a series of wire transfers to an individual named Logan Cruz, who was later identified as Jordan Joplin, a friend from Washington State. This revelation pointed to potential motives rooted in Garcia’s personal relationships and financial dealings.
Chris Connelly explains the financial mystery:
“Garcia had made wire transfers to several people, including someone named Logan Cruz. Where is all this money going to?”
[13:18]
Unveiling Logan Cruz / Jordan Joplin
Logan Cruz, whose real name is Jordan Joplin, emerged as a key figure in the investigation. His enigmatic presence and connection to Garcia raised numerous questions. Authorities struggled to piece together the nature of their relationship and the true identity behind the alias Logan Cruz.
Debra Roberts reveals the dual identity:
“My real name is Jordan Joplin, but everybody calls me Livkin.”
[13:27]
The dual identities and the mystery surrounding Joplin added layers of complexity to the case, suggesting that Garcia's life was intertwined with secrets he kept hidden from the tight-knit community of Ketchikan.
Chris Connelly summarizes the intrigue:
“The way their two very different worlds intersected and the way the police began to unravel the secrets and the mysteries underneath their relationship was incredibly compelling.”
[14:39]
Community Impact and Personal Reflections
The death of Dr. Garcia sent shockwaves through Ketchikan. As a small community where everyone knows each other, the revelation that a cherished member harbored secrets was both unsettling and tragic. Interviews with Garcia's family and friends revealed a man who, despite his outward positivity and love for the community, struggled with profound loneliness.
Saul Garcia, Dr. Eric Garcia’s brother, shared his perspective:
“I just felt the loneliness that must have been part of his life there.”
[11:36]
This dichotomy between Garcia’s public persona and private struggles highlighted the often-hidden complexities within individuals, even those who appear to be pillars of their community.
Debra Roberts reflects on the narrative:
“Dr. Garcia definitely had secrets, and I think a lot of people may have known that no one ever pushed the envelope.”
[12:07]
Podcast Insights and Storytelling
In the latter part of the episode, Debra Roberts and Chris Connelly discuss the transition from reporting to podcasting. Connelly emphasizes the immersive and detailed nature of podcast storytelling, which allows listeners to delve deeper into the complexities of the case.
Chris Connelly on podcasting benefits:
“You hear these voices and they really stick in your head and we get to pay a kind attention to detail and to take you really deep inside everything that the police were trying to find out.”
[10:00]
He also touches upon the emotional weight of uncovering secrets and the haunting realization that someone so beloved could harbor such darkness.
Conclusion and Further Listening
"The After Show: Cold Blooded" provides a comprehensive look into the mysterious death of Dr. Eric Garcia, blending investigative journalism with personal narratives to paint a compelling portrait of a man and the community he left behind. The episode not only explores the factual aspects of the case but also delves into the emotional and psychological dimensions that make true crime stories resonate deeply with audiences.
Listeners intrigued by this story can further explore the six-part podcast series, "Cold Blooded Mystery in Alaska," which expands on the reporting and offers an in-depth examination of the case.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Debra Roberts:
- “A story that couldn't have more twists and turns.” [00:37]
- “Is it a suicide? Is it a murder? What is it?” [02:52]
- “Dr. Garcia definitely had secrets, and I think a lot of people may have known that no one ever pushed the envelope.” [12:07]
-
Chris Connelly:
- “There was nothing left. Nothing left. Who could have gotten into the house so easily and stolen from Dr. Garcia so brazenly?” [02:41]
- “Garcia had made wire transfers to several people, including someone named Logan Cruz. Where is all this money going to?” [13:18]
- “The way their two very different worlds intersected and the way the police began to unravel the secrets and the mysteries underneath their relationship was incredibly compelling.” [14:39]
-
Saul Garcia:
- “I just felt the loneliness that must have been part of his life there.” [11:36]
Credits
- Producers: Amira Williams and Sasha Aslanian
- Contributors: Joseph Rhee, Chris Connelly, Karen Shifman, Amanda Carr, Brian Mazersky, and Alex Barenfeld of 20/20
- Theme Music: Evan Viola
- Executive Producer: Janice Johnston
- Director of Podcasting: Josh Cohen, ABC Audio
- Operations Director: Michelle Margulis
- Executive Producer: Laura Mayer
- Additional Support: Progressive Insurance, Smashbox Studios, and other sponsors as mentioned in the transcript.
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of "The After Show: Cold Blooded" episode, providing listeners with an engaging overview of the case, the investigative journey, and the personal stories intertwined within the true crime narrative.