Podcast Summary: "Bonus: A Gamble"
Podcast: Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska
Host: ABC News (Brad Mielke with guest Chris Connelly)
Date: September 9, 2025
Episode Overview
In this bonus episode, Brad Mielke of ABC News interviews Chris Connelly, the host of "Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska," for an in-depth discussion on the investigation of Dr. Eric Garcia’s suspicious death in Ketchikan, Alaska. The episode dives into the story’s unique twists, the role of Ketchikan’s setting, the family’s involvement, and the psychology of the murderer, Jordan Joplin. The conversation is rich with behind-the-scenes insights, memorable quotes, and reflections on the broader themes of love, isolation, and community.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Entering the Story: Reporting in Alaska
- Chris Connelly explains how he was assigned to the case due to his West Coast location and highlights how Alaska itself provides a singular backdrop for true crime.
- Quote:
"Pitching a true crime story to the folks at 2020 or to the folks at ABC Audio is like calling up Toyota and saying, I have an idea for a car. They're way ahead of us." — Chris Connelly [01:25]
- The dual nature of Ketchikan—lively during the cruise season, isolating in the winter—sets the mood for understanding Dr. Garcia’s life and death.
- Quote:
"Ketchikan plays a double role in this particular story." — Chris Connelly [02:14–03:45]
2. Ketchikan as Character
- The environment impacts not just residents’ daily lives, but also influences the way investigations proceed and are perceived.
- Chris describes the “tale of two cities”—a welcoming summer with lots of newcomers, contrasted with the harsh, isolating winters.
3. Dr. Eric Garcia: Life, Isolation & Death
- Dr. Garcia was both admired for his skills and beloved for his character, yet his large, beautiful house also symbolized his solitude.
- Deaths of middle-aged men in their homes are, unfortunately, not rare in Ketchikan, influencing police initial suspicion of natural causes or suicide.
- Quote:
"It's not so unusual for them to do a welfare check on a man in his late 50s… and find someone deceased. That’s not so out of the ordinary." — Chris Connelly [03:55–04:56]
4. Crime Scene Mysteries & Investigation Approach
- The scene at Garcia’s home was filled with puzzling contradictions—valuables missing, ambiguous cause of death, and evidence that only made sense later.
- Ketchikan police are praised for their methodical, non-assumptive, step-wise approach.
- Quote:
"At every step, law enforcement… did not take any leaps… See where the evidence leads you… Those connections will reveal themselves in time." — Chris Connelly [06:21–07:41]
5. Family’s Role: Saul Garcia’s Determination
- Saul Garcia becomes central to the investigation, especially when he finds the smoke detectors discarded in a ravine—a breakthrough in the case.
- Memorable moment:
"He’s looking down at his phone as he's walking… and he sees these white things in the ravine. Yes, they turn out to be the smoke detectors." — Chris Connelly [08:03]
- Saul’s emotional control and logical approach mirror his late brother’s demeanor.
- Touching family anecdotes underscore Dr. Garcia’s lifelong concern for others and his roots as a caregiver.
- Quote:
“He wanted to help people… his connection with his grandmother went on throughout his life.” — Chris Connelly [10:18]
6. Jordan Joplin: The Charismatic Deceiver
- Discussion of Joplin’s background in adult entertainment and his innate, almost manipulative charm.
- Quote:
“He was a great looking guy… had an amazing body. He was… proud of that body and knew how to use that body to help support himself.” — Chris Connelly [11:15]
- Joplin’s magnetism initially deceived not only Garcia, but others.
7. The Investigators: Personal Impact and Motivation
- Sgt. Eric Matson (now Police Chief) kept a printout of Joplin’s smiling face from Walmart surveillance—emphasizing the case’s emotional toll and the drive for justice.
- Quote:
"For just that reason… the incredible contrast between the smiling Jordan Joplin and that nine second tape of Dr. Garcia gasping for breath… is horrifying." — Chris Connelly [15:17–16:15]
8. Critical Evidence and Key Trial Moments
- Key detail not in the main podcast: the moment when a friend recognizes Dr. Garcia’s actual keyring in Joplin’s hand, realizing something is very wrong.
- Quote:
"She recognizes the key ring. It's a gift… she bought on her honeymoon. There is no way that's an extra set of keys… In that moment, she knows something terrible has happened." — Chris Connelly [16:43–17:48]
- Joplin’s trial testimony: his improvisational lies, lack of a coherent story, and the prosecution’s effective exposure of inconsistencies.
- Quote:
“Jordan Joplin was no genius… He would change from moment to moment to deceive in that moment, and then worry about the next moment after that.” — Chris Connelly [18:41]
9. Themes: Love, Loneliness, and Community
- The tragic irony: Joplin believed Garcia’s compartmentalized life meant no one would care—or investigate—if he died.
- Quote:
“Why kill the golden goose? … Jordan Joplin must have thought, ‘Oh, I can do this, and nobody will care.’ That was wrong. There was a big team Dr. Garcia behind him.” — Chris Connelly [19:59]
- Saul Garcia’s memorable ‘gambling’ metaphor at sentencing:
"Some of the things he gambled on were that there would be no investigation, that Eric was lonely and had no friends… I’m here today to seek justice for Eric and collect on all your failed gambles… to ensure your wish … of becoming imprisoned for life becomes a reality.” — Saul Garcia [21:51–22:27]
10. Reflections & Takeaways
- Chris Connelly shares enduring admiration for the community’s support and Garcia’s capacity to inspire love, not just respect.
- The lingering sadness: Garcia’s secrecy about his private life may have cost him the support he needed.
- Quote:
“If you are going through something, disclose it. You'll get more love and acceptance than you might imagine.” — Chris Connelly [24:08–25:08]
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
- On assignment in Alaska: "Pitching a true crime story… is like calling up Toyota and saying, I have an idea for a car. They're way ahead of us." — Chris [01:25]
- Ketchikan’s duality: "This is a tale of two cities, Ketchikan." — Chris [02:14–03:45]
- Police procedural method: "Go one step at a time. See where the evidence leads you." — Chris [06:21]
- Family detective work: "He sees these white things in the ravine… Yes, they turn out to be the smoke detectors." — Chris [08:03]
- Dr. Garcia’s compassion: “He wanted to help people and his connection with his grandmother… went on throughout his life.” — Chris [10:18]
- On Joplin’s charisma: "He was… proud of that body and knew how to use that body…" — Chris [11:15]
- Investigators’ personal motivation: "…the incredible contrast between the smiling Jordan Joplin and that nine second tape of Dr. Garcia gasping for breath…" — Chris [16:15]
- Recognizing the keyring: "She recognizes the key ring. It's a gift… she bought on her honeymoon." — Chris [16:43]
- Joplin’s unreliable testimony: “Jordan Joplin was no genius… He would change from moment to moment to deceive…” — Chris [18:41]
- Why kill the golden goose?: “Jordan Joplin must have thought, 'Oh, I can do this, and nobody will care.' … That was wrong.” — Chris [19:59]
- Saul’s victim statement: "I'm here today to seek justice for Eric and collect on all your failed gambles…" — Saul Garcia [21:51]
- Final lesson: "If you are going through something, disclose it. You'll get more love and acceptance than you might imagine.” — Chris [24:08]
Reflections & Legacy of the Case
- The case underscores themes of deception, love, loneliness, and the strength of community bonds—even in the most isolated settings.
- Community and family played a critical role in uncovering the truth—a testament to Dr. Garcia’s impact on those around him.
- The key takeaway is the importance of transparency and connection: sharing personal struggles invites support, not judgment.
Useful Timestamps
- [01:25] – Chris on being assigned to the case & thoughts on Alaska
- [02:14] – Ketchikan’s uniqueness and its impact on the case
- [06:21] – Police investigation approach and sequence
- [08:03] – Saul Garcia finds key evidence (smoke detectors)
- [10:18] – Dr. Garcia’s personal story and family connection
- [11:15] – Jordan Joplin’s charisma and background
- [15:04] – Investigators’ emotional investment
- [16:43] – Unused detail: the keyring revelation
- [18:41] – Joplin on the witness stand
- [19:59] – Insights into Joplin’s motivation and Dr. Garcia’s compartmentalized life
- [21:51] – Saul Garcia’s “gamble” victim statement
- [24:08] – Chris Connelly’s reflections and final takeaway
For new listeners, this episode provides both a recap and fresh insights—painting a portrait of a tragic crime shaped by place, personality, and the enduring bonds of family and community.