Cold Blooded
14Digest
The episode delves into the mysterious death of Dr. Eric Garcia, a respected surgeon in Ketchikan, Alaska. The investigation begins with a welfare check call from Garcia's friend, Jordan Joplin, who was concerned about his well-being. Police find Garcia deceased in his home, with suspicious details like missing valuables, a strong smell of lighter fluid, and missing smoke detectors. The investigation takes a turn when police discover that Garcia had made wire transfers to Joplin and that Joplin had been using two different names. Police find a shipping receipt in Garcia's truck that leads them to a shipping company in Ketchikan, where they discover that two tons of Garcia's belongings have already been shipped to Seattle. Police travel to Seattle to try to recover the containers before Joplin can. They execute a search warrant at Joplin's residence and find a Faraday bag containing Garcia's cell phones and other evidence. Joplin is charged with theft in the first degree. The episode explores Joplin's past and reveals his history of deception and manipulation. Several women who knew Joplin share their experiences with him, describing him as a charming but manipulative individual. The episode examines the potential turning point in Garcia's life after a triple bypass surgery, suggesting that Garcia may have been more vulnerable to Joplin's influence after the surgery. The episode focuses on the carbon monoxide evidence and the possibility that Joplin staged Garcia's death to look like a suicide. Police find evidence that Joplin purchased charcoal and may have used it to create the scene. The episode reveals the morphine evidence and the police theory that Joplin gave Garcia a fatal dose of morphine. Police also learn that Joplin had asked a friend about the lethal dosage of morphine. The episode details the trial of Jordan Joplin. The prosecution presents a timeline of Joplin's involvement in the case and plays a disturbing video of Garcia unconscious and close to death. Joplin is found guilty of murder in the first degree and theft in the first degree. He is sentenced to 99 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed in Alaska. The episode concludes with a tribute to Dr. Eric Garcia, focusing on his legacy of compassion and caring. A memorial tree planted in his honor at the hospital where he worked serves as a lasting reminder of his impact on the community.
Outlines
The Mystery of Dr. Garcia's Death
The episode introduces the case of Dr. Eric Garcia, a respected surgeon in Ketchikan, Alaska, who was found dead in his home. The mystery begins with a welfare check call from a friend in Seattle, Jordan Joplin, who was concerned about Garcia's well-being. The episode details the events leading up to the discovery of Dr. Garcia's death, including the police response to the welfare check call and the initial investigation.
The Suspicious Circumstances Surrounding Dr. Garcia's Death
The episode explores the suspicious details surrounding Garcia's death, including the missing valuables, the strong smell of lighter fluid, the missing smoke detectors, and Garcia's history of health problems. The episode also highlights the initial investigation and the police's focus on Joplin's background and relationship with Garcia.
The Investigation Shifts Focus to Jordan Joplin
The discovery of the missing valuables changes the course of the investigation. Police now suspect that Garcia's death may be related to the theft. They begin to investigate Joplin's background and his relationship with Garcia. The episode details the police's investigation into Joplin's financial dealings with Garcia and the discovery of Joplin's use of two different names.
The Arrest of Jordan Joplin
Police investigate Garcia's financial records and discover that he had made wire transfers to Joplin. They also learn that Joplin had been using two different names. Joplin is arrested for theft and the investigation into Garcia's death intensifies. The episode details the police's pursuit of Joplin to Seattle and the execution of a search warrant at his residence.
The Unmasking of Jordan Joplin
Police execute a search warrant at Joplin's residence in Seattle. They find a Faraday bag containing Garcia's cell phones and other evidence. Joplin is charged with theft in the first degree. The episode explores the aftermath of Joplin's arrest and the impact on his fiancee, Kristen Cole's Nelson. Kristen learns about Joplin's true nature and his history of deception.
Jordan Joplin's History of Deception
The episode delves into Joplin's past and reveals his history of deception and manipulation. Several women who knew Joplin share their experiences with him, describing him as a charming but manipulative individual. The episode explores the relationship between Dr. Garcia and Jordan Joplin, revealing that Garcia had a history of being private about his personal life and may have been vulnerable to Joplin's manipulations.
The Turning Point in Dr. Garcia's Life
The episode examines the potential turning point in Garcia's life after a triple bypass surgery. It is suggested that Garcia may have been more vulnerable to Joplin's influence after the surgery. The episode focuses on the carbon monoxide evidence and the possibility that Joplin staged Garcia's death to look like a suicide. Police find evidence that Joplin purchased charcoal and may have used it to create the scene.
The Morphine Evidence and the Murder Charge
The episode reveals the morphine evidence and the police theory that Joplin gave Garcia a fatal dose of morphine. Police also learn that Joplin had asked a friend about the lethal dosage of morphine. The episode details the trial of Jordan Joplin. The prosecution presents a timeline of Joplin's involvement in the case and plays a disturbing video of Garcia unconscious and close to death.
The Trial and Verdict
The episode focuses on the final stages of Jordan Joplin's murder trial. Joplin maintains his innocence, while the defense rests their case after 14 days of testimony. The jury is now tasked with deciding Joplin's fate. The jury reaches a verdict after three days of deliberation, finding Joplin guilty of murder in the first degree and theft in the first degree. He is sentenced to 99 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed in Alaska.
Remembering Dr. Eric Garcia
The episode concludes with a tribute to Dr. Eric Garcia, focusing on his legacy of compassion and caring. A memorial tree planted in his honor at the hospital where he worked serves as a lasting reminder of his impact on the community.
Keywords
**Welfare Check**
A welfare check is a request made to law enforcement to check on the well-being of an individual. It is typically initiated when someone is concerned about the safety or health of another person.
**Faraday Bag**
A Faraday bag is a container that blocks electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, cell phone signals, and other forms of electronic communication. It is often used to protect sensitive electronic devices from being tracked or hacked.
**Morphine Overdose**
A morphine overdose occurs when a person takes too much morphine, a powerful opioid pain reliever. Symptoms of a morphine overdose include slowed breathing, drowsiness, confusion, and coma.
**Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when a person inhales carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
**Manipulation**
Manipulation is a form of social influence that aims to change the behavior or thinking of another person through indirect, deceptive, or coercive tactics.
**Premeditated Murder**
The act of killing another person with prior planning and intent. It involves a deliberate decision to commit the crime, often with a specific motive or goal in mind.
**Victim Impact Statement**
A statement made by a victim or their family members in court, describing the impact of the crime on their lives. It allows victims to share their experiences, express their feelings, and advocate for justice.
**Maximum Sentence**
The highest possible punishment that can be imposed for a particular crime. It is typically determined by law and may vary depending on the severity of the offense and the jurisdiction.
Q&A
What were the suspicious details that led police to suspect foul play in Dr. Garcia's death?
The suspicious details included the strong smell of lighter fluid in the house, the barbecue grill on the deck, the missing smoke detectors, and the fact that Garcia had a history of health problems.
How did police connect Jordan Joplin to Dr. Garcia's death?
Police found a shipping receipt in Garcia's truck that led them to a shipping company in Ketchikan. They discovered that two tons of Garcia's belongings had been shipped to Seattle, and Joplin was the recipient. They also found evidence that Joplin had purchased charcoal and may have staged Garcia's death to look like a suicide.
What was the key piece of evidence that led to Joplin's conviction?
The key piece of evidence was a video that Joplin had taken of Garcia unconscious and close to death. The video showed that Garcia was in the same position and wearing the same clothes as when he was found dead.
What was the impact of Dr. Garcia's death on the community of Ketchikan?
Garcia's death had a significant impact on the community, as he was one of only two general surgeons in the area. His death created a medical crisis and left many patients without access to his specialized care.
What was the significance of the memorial tree planted in Dr. Eric Garcia's honor?
The tree serves as a lasting tribute to Dr. Garcia's compassion and caring nature, symbolizing his positive impact on the community and the love and affection he received from those who knew him.
What are the next steps in Jordan Joplin's case?
Joplin has filed an appeal of his conviction. If the appeal is denied, he will be eligible for parole in 2050 when he is 64 years old.
Show Notes
An investigation into an Alaskan doctor's death reveals a secret romance, theft of nearly half a million dollars of property from his home and a suspect with a motive to kill.
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