Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska Episode: Receipts Host: ABC News (Chris Connolly) Release Date: August 12, 2025
Introduction to the Case
In the remote Alaskan town of Ketchikan, beloved local doctor Dr. Eric Garcia was found dead in his home under suspicious circumstances. Initially believed to be a heart attack or suicide, closer examination by the Ketchikan Police revealed troubling clues that suggested foul play. This episode, titled "Receipts," delves into the mysterious death of Dr. Garcia and the subsequent investigation uncovering hidden secrets within his life.
Dr. Eric Garcia's Background and Valuables
Dr. Eric Garcia was not only a respected physician but also an avid collector. Growing up in Puerto Rico, his father introduced him to coin collecting, a passion that persisted throughout his life. His collection expanded significantly after moving to Ketchikan, Alaska, where he amassed rare coins, high-end watches, luxury liquors, and other valuables, totaling an estimated half a million dollars.
Notable Quote:
"Eric Garcia was cut off by the hospital for getting packages. They wouldn't allow personal packages to be delivered to the hospital anymore."
— Bob Jackson, Dr. Garcia's Realtor [07:22]
Discovery of the Body and Missing Valuables
Dr. Garcia was discovered deceased on a couch near his second-story deck. Toxicology reports revealed a morphine overdose and dangerously elevated levels of carbon monoxide. Clues at the scene included a barbecue grill in a doorway, a partially burned charcoal briquette, and missing smoke detectors, which were later found at a nearby ravine, indicating an attempt to conceal evidence. Additionally, Dr. Garcia's extensive collection of valuables had vanished, transforming the investigation into a dual mystery of death and theft.
Notable Quote:
"Valuables were gone, it really changes things immensely. It was a major theft."
— Sergeant Eric Mattson [02:59]
Initial Investigation and Suspect Identification
Ketchikan Police Officers Devin Miller and Sergeant Eric Mattson led the investigation. They recognized that the absence of forced entry implied that the theft was conducted by someone familiar with Dr. Garcia. The discovery pointed towards individuals within Dr. Garcia's personal and professional circles.
Notable Quote:
"The house was not broken into. There was no forced entry. So the items were removed unsuspectingly, I would say, by somebody that had a direct relation with Dr. Garcia."
— Jordan Joplin [05:17]
Financial Clues and Power of Attorney
A significant breakthrough came when investigators found a $900 transfer to Logan Cruz, later identified as Jordan Joplin, six days before Dr. Garcia's death. Jordan, a massage therapist and a friend of Dr. Garcia, became a person of interest. He claimed to hold Dr. Garcia's power of attorney, a claim that raised further suspicions when he couldn't adequately explain the document or produce it during the initial interview.
Notable Quote:
"It sure seemed like anytime Eric was anywhere near this character, something hokey would be going on with his finances, and it just didn't sit right."
— Dawn Hink, Dr. Garcia's Colleague [09:55]
Introduction of Suspect - Jordan Joplin
Jordan Joplin emerged as a key figure in the investigation. He was frequently seen with Dr. Garcia and had access to his home and vehicle. On the morning following Dr. Garcia's death, Jordan arrived in Ketchikan with his girlfriend, requesting a welfare check. During this visit, he displayed unusual behavior, including vague responses to police inquiries and inconsistent statements about his relationship with Dr. Garcia.
Notable Quote:
"You gotta believe me."
— Dawn Hink [28:25]
Surveillance Footage and Evidence
Investigators scrutinized Jordan's activities, revealing discrepancies between his statements and evidence. Surveillance footage from Walmart showed Jordan shopping alone on the day he claimed to have visited with Dr. Garcia. Additionally, shipping receipts found in Dr. Garcia's truck linked Jordan to the transportation of substantial cargo, contradicting his earlier claims of ignorance regarding Dr. Garcia's valuables.
Notable Quote:
"We Found a shipping receipt from Alaska Marine Lines... listing the doctor's address as a shipper."
— Jordan Joplin [22:18]
Clash and Inconsistencies
Further interrogation exposed Jordan's evasiveness and dishonesty. When questioned about the high-value items in Dr. Garcia's house, he initially denied knowledge but later admitted awareness of specific items like vases. His inability to produce the power of attorney document and inconsistent narratives about his interactions with Dr. Garcia deepened suspicions about his involvement.
Notable Quote:
"You only thought you knew."
— Dawn Hink [28:39]
Conclusion and Next Steps
As the investigation progressed, police concluded that Jordan Joplin was likely hiding critical information regarding the disappearance of Dr. Garcia's valuables. The discovery of shipping containers sent to Washington raised significant questions about the whereabouts of the stolen items. However, the investigation hit a roadblock when it was revealed that the shipping containers had already left Ketchikan, setting the stage for the next episode's exploration of the hunt for the missing valuables.
Teaser for Next Episode:
"The hunt for Dr. Eric Garcia's valuables takes Ketchikan Police to the lower 48."
Final Thoughts
"Receipts" meticulously unravels the complexities of Dr. Garcia's life, highlighting the intersections of personal relationships, financial transactions, and suspicious activities. Through diligent investigation and the unveiling of critical evidence, the episode paints a compelling narrative that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth behind Dr. Garcia's untimely death and the mystery of his missing valuables.
Notable Figures Mentioned:
- Dr. Eric Garcia: The deceased doctor at the center of the investigation.
- Officer Devin Miller: Ketchikan Police Officer leading the investigation.
- Sergeant Eric Mattson: Sergeant assisting in the case.
- Jordan Joplin: Suspect with ties to Dr. Garcia's finances and valuables.
- Bob Jackson: Dr. Garcia's realtor and friend.
- Dawn Hink: Dr. Garcia's colleague at the hospital.
Key Themes:
- Mystery and Suspense: The dual investigation into death and theft.
- Deception and Lies: Jordan Joplin's inconsistencies and hidden motives.
- Financial Intrigue: Uncovering Dr. Garcia's financial transactions and power of attorney.
Recommendations for Listeners: For those intrigued by true crime stories that delve deep into the intricacies of personal relationships and financial mysteries, "Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska" offers a gripping narrative filled with twists and revelations. Stay tuned for the next episode, where the investigation broadens beyond Alaska in the quest to recover Dr. Garcia's missing valuables.