Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska

Episode: A Little Unusual

Host/Author: ABC News
Release Date: July 29, 2025

Introduction

In the serene yet isolated town of Ketchikan, Alaska, the sudden death of a beloved local surgeon, Dr. Eric Garcia, has left the community reeling. While initial thoughts pointed towards a natural cause or suicide, a deeper investigation reveals a tangled web of secrets, deceit, and potential murder.

The Disappearance of Dr. Eric Garcia

On March 27, 2017, Officer Devin Miller was en route to perform a welfare check on Dr. Eric Garcia after receiving a concerning call from an out-of-town individual. As Officer Miller approached Garcia's secluded home atop a fog-covered hill, the picturesque view of the bay belied the grim discovery awaiting him.

Officer Devin Miller [00:28]: "On March 27, 2017, I was driving through Ketchikan, Alaska, on my way to conduct a welfare check."

Upon arrival, the officers found the house seemingly secure, with no signs of forced entry. However, the unease deepened when two unfamiliar vehicles, including Dr. Garcia's red Ford pickup, were spotted near the residence.

Officer Devin Miller [02:29]: "I saw two vehicles drive up the driveway. One was driven by a woman, and the other by a man with a woman in the passenger seat."

Dr. Eric Garcia's Background

Dr. Eric Garcia was not originally from Ketchikan. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, he pursued his medical residency in Chicago before serving as a surgeon in Eagle Pass, Texas. His move to Alaska was unexpected, though his friends believed the town's unique charm and opportunities drew him in.

Saul Garcia (Dr. Eric’s Brother) [09:23]: "A lot of people when they leave and go to Alaska is because they're running away from something. But looking at Eric’s life, I didn't see anything he would be leaving behind."

Garcia was known for his compassionate nature, exemplified by his dedication to his grandmother, whom he cared for despite her genetic heart defect. His colleagues and patients in Ketchikan quickly grew to respect and admire him.

Carlos Gonzalez (Best Friend) [10:19]: "Dr. Garcia thought the town was beautiful. He was interested in its indigenous history and loved its vibrant arts and culture scene."

The Investigation

Officer Miller's initial visit to Garcia's home revealed a peaceful residence with no immediate signs of distress. However, the presence of Garcia's vehicle at the airport and the claim that he had keys to his own house raised red flags.

Officer Devin Miller [02:47]: "I found it unusual that this man had just happened upon Dr. Garcia's car and had keys to it."

Inside the house, the discovery of Dr. Garcia's lifeless body on a sectional sofa amid an eerie stillness marked the turning point of the investigation.

Officer Devin Miller [04:36]: "In the middle of the room was Dr. Garcia. We could tell he was dead without even approaching him."

The scene contained several peculiar elements: an open barbecue propped by a pillow, unused barbecue tools, an open package of bacon, and a TV stuck on a blue screen. Additionally, marks on Garcia's hand and a mysterious purple stain suggested possible foul play.

Dr. Garcia’s Body [29:24]: "His thumb and two fingertips had charcoal on them... There was a purple stain on his right shoulder."

Clues and Revelations

As the investigation progressed, interviews with those close to Dr. Garcia unveiled inconsistencies in his recent behavior. His mood had shifted unexpectedly before his untimely death, and his last known activity involved preparing for a trip to Las Vegas for a medical conference.

Dawn Hink (Colleague) [24:08]: "His mood changed, and he still had the shirt on, he still had the smile on, but he had a kind of solemnness that was hard to pinpoint."

Further scrutiny revealed that Dr. Garcia's house contained a locked storage unit beneath the stairs, holding valuables worth nearly half a million dollars, including wine, gold, and coins.

Friend of Dr. Garcia [32:31]: "There was at least half a million dollars worth of valuables in a locked storage unit underneath the stairs."

These findings deepened the mystery, suggesting motives beyond personal despair or natural causes.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The discovery of substantial valuables and the strange circumstances surrounding Dr. Garcia's death compel investigators to look beyond the surface. With clues pointing towards possible theft and hidden relationships, the case of Dr. Eric Garcia remains shrouded in mystery, promising further revelations in subsequent episodes.

Officer Devin Miller [31:26]: "Dr. Garcia's death could have been a medical event, like a heart attack, or it could have been a suicide. But the whole thing didn't make much sense to me."

As Ketchikan grapples with this tragedy, the layers of Dr. Garcia's life and the town's intricate history continue to unfold, painting a complex picture of a man who was both cherished and enigmatic.

Notable Quotes

• Officer Devin Miller [00:28]: "On March 27, 2017, I was driving through Ketchikan, Alaska, on my way to conduct a welfare check."

• Saul Garcia [09:23]: "A lot of people when they leave and go to Alaska is because they're running away from something. But looking at Eric’s life, I didn't see anything he would be leaving behind."

• Carlos Gonzalez [10:19]: "Dr. Garcia thought the town was beautiful. He was interested in its indigenous history and loved its vibrant arts and culture scene."

• Officer Devin Miller [02:47]: "I found it unusual that this man had just happened upon Dr. Garcia's car and had keys to it."

• Dawn Hink [24:08]: "His mood changed, and he still had the shirt on, he still had the smile on, but he had a kind of solemnness that was hard to pinpoint."

• Officer Devin Miller [31:26]: "Dr. Garcia's death could have been a medical event, like a heart attack, or it could have been a suicide. But the whole thing didn't make much sense to me."

Upcoming in the Series

In the next episode, investigators return to Dr. Garcia's house to uncover more hidden clues, further unraveling the complexities of his mysterious death.

Production Credits

Produced by: Camille Peterson, Shane McKeon, Kiara Powell
Edited by: Gianna Palmer
Supervising Producer: Susie Lu
Music and Mixing: Evan Viola
Director of Podcast Programming: Josh Cohan
Executive Producer: Laura Mayer

Special thanks to Liz Alessi, Katie Dendas, Janice Johnston, Joseph Reed, Gary Wynn, Xander Samaras, Chris Donovan, Michelle Margulis, Tom Berman, Sandy Evans, and Pat Lalama for their contributions.

Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska continues to delve into the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Dr. Eric Garcia's death, promising listeners an engaging exploration of a compelling true crime story.