When The Killer First Arrived At The Crime Scene

A Wellness Check Turns to Horror

On March 27, 2017, a seemingly routine wellness check spiraled into a harrowing investigation when authorities discovered the lifeless body of Dr. Eric Garcia in his home. Known for his generosity and compassion, the 58-year-old surgeon had been missing for over a week, prompting his worried friend, Jordan Joplin, to repeatedly call for help. As the police began to investigate Dr. Garcia’s untimely demise, they unearthed a complex web of deceit that would reveal the chilling truth behind his death.

The Discovery of a Body

When the police arrived at Dr. Garcia's residence in Ketchikan, Alaska, they were met by Jordan, who had a spare set of keys. With his assistance, they entered the home, quickly finding Dr. Garcia slumped on his living room couch. The scene presented was surreal: an open package of bacon, a nearly extinguished charcoal briquette, and a pill bottle bearing Dr. Garcia's name lay nearby. Initial hopes for a natural death soon evaporated as investigators vowed to uncover the truth.

Rumors of Health Issues

Dr. Garcia's friends later expressed their concern over his health, revealing that he had a history of heart issues, with his last hospitalization occurring just months prior. However, indications of natural causes began to fade as the investigation continued. Evidence of a struggle and unusual circumstances surrounded Dr. Garcia's death, raising alarms among his friends. Jordan was increasingly anxious about Dr. Garcia's wellbeing. He repeatedly insisted on a welfare check, citing concerns about Dr. Garcia's mental state—despite family members disputing any such claims.

The Autopsy Report Raises Eyebrows

As the investigation unfolded, the autopsy report revealed unsettling findings: Dr. Garcia had allegedly overdosed on morphine. However, there was a significant contradiction—no morphine could be found in the house. Instead, traces of a sedative and dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide were present in his system. Toxicology showed a carbon monoxide level that was four times the normal limit, a fact that painted a disturbing picture of foul play.

The Strange Circumstances

The absence of smoke detectors in the house became a pivotal clue. Investigators discovered that all smoke detectors had been removed, with occupants claiming Dr. Garcia was never the type to remove them himself. The missing detectors and the scent of charcoal hinted at a more sinister plot—someone had deliberately set a scene designed to appear as an accident.

A Chilling Discovery in the Woods

Weeks later, a breakthrough occurred when Dr. Garcia's brother stumbled upon a cache of discarded smoke detectors in the woods near their family home, linking them back to Dr. Garcia's residence. This shocking find shifted the investigation into high gear and confirmed suspicions of a planned murder.

Unraveling a Complex Relationship

Closer examination revealed that Jordan Joplin, who had requested the welfare check and accompanied police to the scene, had been entrusted with power of attorney over Dr. Garcia’s affairs. The police scrutinized their relationship further, uncovering questionable financial transactions, including significant wire transfers from Dr. Garcia to Jordan.

Upon delving further into Jordan's background, authorities discovered a dark history filled with deception and manipulation. Previously convicted of felonies, Jordan had a knack for charming those around him, often leading double lives that concealed his true motivations.

Secrets of a Relationship Exposed

As investigators continued to gather evidence, they uncovered love letters exchanged between Jordan and Dr. Garcia, hinting at a complex relationship that belied their public personas. It became evident that Dr. Garcia, known for his kindness, had allowed himself to become entangled in a deceptive partnership that would ultimately lead to his death.

The Compelling Case Against Jordan

With mounting evidence against Jordan, the police pieced together a timeline that suggested a meticulously planned murder. Jordan had allegedly delivered a fatal dose of morphine to Dr. Garcia, then removed the smoke detectors to cover up the carbon monoxide poisoning that followed. His plan was to stage Dr. Garcia's death as a tragic accident, but the authorities countered each piece of the narrative he tried to spin.

Shocking Trial Transpired

The investigation culminated in a tense trial where emotional testimonies and revelations unfolded. However, the most damning piece of evidence arose in the form of a video taken by Jordan—showing Dr. Garcia unconscious and struggling for breath just days before his death. This incriminating evidence was pivotal in securing a guilty verdict against Jordan.

Justice Served

On April 9, 2024, Jordan Joplin was sentenced to 99 years in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder and theft associated with Dr. Garcia’s tragic demise. The court’s ruling brought a sense of closure to a grieving community that deeply valued Dr. Garcia’s legacy of compassion.

Conclusion: Reflecting on a Life Cut Short

Dr. Eric Garcia’s death exposed the fragility of trust, particularly in relationships where deception lurks. His compassionate spirit will be remembered fondly by those he helped, though the question remains—was financial gain the sole motive for Jordan's betrayal, or were deeper, more sinister layers hidden beneath his veneer of friendship?

As the community reflects on this tragic case, they are reminded to remain vigilant and recognize the darker sides of human nature. If you have any thoughts about this case, or if you’d like to suggest others, please share in the comments below. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more in-depth true crime stories.