Summary of "Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska" - Episode 1: A Little Unusual
Podcast Information:
- Title: Devil in the Desert
- Host/Author: ABC News
- Episode: Introducing "Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska"
- Release Date: July 30, 2025
Introduction
In the premiere episode of the new series Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska, ABC News delves into the mysterious death of Dr. Eric Garcia, a beloved surgeon in the remote town of Ketchikan, Alaska. This detailed investigation uncovers layers of secrecy, betrayal, and unforeseen twists that have left the community and investigators baffled.
Background: Ketchikan, Alaska and Dr. Eric Garcia
Ketchikan, known as Alaska's first city, is a picturesque yet remote town that serves as a crucial entry point for millions of cruise passengers each year. Historically a boom town driven by the fishing and canning industries, Ketchikan has continually reinvented itself to survive economic fluctuations.
Dr. Eric Garcia, originally from Puerto Rico, moved to Ketchikan about a decade prior to his death. Having trained in Chicago and worked in Eagle Pass, Texas, Garcia was one of only two surgeons in the town, making his presence vital to the local community.
Notable Quote:
Saul Garcia (Eric's Brother) [08:37]: "When I see his life and from what I know of his life, I didn't know. I wouldn't know of anything that he would be leaving behind."
The First Welfare Check: Initial Concerns
On March 27, 2017, Officer Devin Miller responded to a welfare check request regarding Dr. Garcia. The call originated from Jordan Joplin, an out-of-state caller expressing concern over Garcia's well-being.
Upon arrival, Officer Miller observed peculiarities:
- Secluded Residence: Dr. Garcia lived alone in a spacious home with stunning views, yet his isolation made his safety a concern.
- Unusual Vehicle Appearance: A red Ford pickup, recognized as Garcia's car, was unexpectedly parked at the airport with keys in hand.
Notable Quote:
Officer Devin Miller [03:48]: "I asked him, I said, 'Is that Dr. Garcia's vehicle?' And he replied yes. Where did you find that?"
Despite the oddities, initial inspections showed no signs of forced entry or immediate danger, leading Officer Miller to conclude the situation was likely benign at that moment.
The Second Welfare Check: Escalating Concerns
A week prior, Jordan Joplin had reached out again, reiterating worries about Garcia's intentions to commit suicide. This second call prompted Joplin to fly into Ketchikan with permission to access Garcia's home, intensifying the urgency of the situation.
Notable Quote:
Jordan Joplin [02:06]: "He's been missing and he was contemplating suicide. Nobody's heard from him."
Discovery of Dr. Garcia's Death
On March 27, Officer Miller and Sergeant Cheatham conducted a final welfare check. Accompanied by Jordan Joplin and co-worker Dawn Hink, they entered Garcia's home to find him deceased on a sectional sofa in a large, open room.
Atmosphere at the Scene:
- Silent Stillness: The absence of noise contrasted sharply with the brutality of the situation.
- Unusual Clues: Items like an open package of bacon, partially burned charcoal briquette, and a propped-open door hinted at a scene that didn’t align with typical conclusions of a medical event or suicide.
Notable Quotes:
Officer Devin Miller [06:31]: "I just felt lonely. For Dr. Garcia."
Officer Devin Miller [31:42]: "His thumb and two fingertips had charcoal, dark charcoal on him... there was also a purple stain on his right shoulder."
Community and Personal Insights
Dawn Hink, a patient access representative and close friend of Garcia, provided personal insights into his character:
- Warm and Compassionate: Described Garcia as a fatherly figure with a genuine concern for others.
- Private and Reserved: Despite his outward friendliness, Garcia maintained personal secrets that left colleagues curious.
Notable Quote:
Dawn Hink [24:17]: "He was the most gentle, kind, wonderful soul you could imagine."
Clues and Investigation Findings
Investigators uncovered several puzzling elements:
- Locked Storage Unit: A half-million dollar storage unit beneath the stairs contained valuables like wine, gold, and coins, suggesting possible motives beyond a simple medical event.
- Inconsistent Alibis: Garcia's office claimed he was out of town, conflicting with multiple welfare check requests and the presence of his car at the airport.
- Unexplained Items: The peculiar arrangement of household items and the absence of expected personal effects raised suspicions of foul play.
Notable Quote:
Officer Devin Miller [33:45]: "There was an open package of bacon. There was a partially burned charcoal briquette. And I didn't really understand how a person could barbecue bacon on a barbecue grill."
Conclusion and Next Steps
The discovery of Dr. Garcia's death in such an enigmatic setting has left investigators with more questions than answers. The presence of valuable items, conflicting testimonies, and the unconventional state of the crime scene suggest that Garcia's death was anything but ordinary. The investigation aims to unravel the web of lies and manipulation surrounding Garcia's final days, with suspects and motives still under scrutiny.
Teaser for Next Episode:
Ryan Reynolds [34:07]: "Next time on Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska, investigators search Dr. Garcia's house again, looking for those valuables, only to find more unusual clues."
Production Credits
Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska is a production of ABC Audio and 20 20, featuring the efforts of producer Camille Peterson, Shane McKeon, Kiara Powell, and an array of dedicated team members ensuring a gripping and comprehensive true-crime narrative.
This summary encapsulates the key elements of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have yet to listen. The intricate details and investigative twists highlight the depth of the mystery surrounding Dr. Eric Garcia's untimely death in the secluded town of Ketchikan.