Jordan Joplin: Man killed surgeon with cocktail of drugs and stole valuables after faking love for him

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA: Jordan Joplin, who poisoned his romantic partner Eric Garcia, 58, after feigning affection, was sentenced to 99 years in prison on April, 10.

The investigation uncovered that Joplin, 29, utilized a lethal concoction of drugs to poison Garcia, 58, in 2017.

It was also revealed that Joplin pilfered Garcia's valuables, including bank assets, and shipped them to his residence in Washington state. From there, he contacted the police, purportedly expressing concern for his partner's well-being, according to Law&Crime.

The sentencing hearing followed Joplin's conviction last year on charges of first and second-degree murder, as well as first-degree theft.

What happened in the courtroom?

During the sentencing hearing, Superior Court Judge Michael Wolverton remarked that he had never seen the deliberate and meticulous nature of the murder in his four decades career.

Prosecutors stated that Judge Wolverton characterized Joplin's actions as bold and cowardly

Furthermore, the victim’s brother, Saul Garcia, addressed Joplin directly, stating, "Joplin, you’ve made your decision. You have chosen your fate, I’m here today to seek justice for Eric and collect on all of your failed gambles. To ensure your unconscious wish of becoming imprisoned for life becomes a reality. I’m here for that." 

Saul continued, “They recounted how comfortable they felt to have access to a Spanish-speaking medical professional, that related to their culture. They were worried about the future of their medical care, as they didn’t feel comfortable speaking English,” as per Alaska Public Media.

Additionally, Garcia’s sister conveyed a statement through the prosecutor, describing her brother as selfless. She expressed, "Eric didn’t have a lot of time for himself — he was working more hours than he could physically deal with."

How did Jordan Joplin kill his romantic partner Eric Garcia?

Joplin administered a lethal combination of morphine, methadone, diazepam, and lorazepam to Garcia at his residence in Ketchikan on March 17, 2017, prosecutors disclosed. Subsequently, he abandoned Garcia's body at the scene.

On the same day, Joplin organized the delivery of three shipping containers to Garcia's home, containing approximately 4,000 pounds of his most prized possessions, including electronics, a coin collection, watches, jewelry valued at $50,000, and a liquor collection worth $320,000. 

Joplin then had all 4,000 pounds of items shipped to his residence in Washington. Furthermore, authorities revealed that Joplin transferred over $30,000 from Garcia's bank accounts to his own between March 16 and 30.

Before departing for Washington in Garcia's truck, Joplin recorded a cellphone video of Garcia, who appeared to be unconscious.

Upon returning to Washington, Joplin contacted the Ketchikan Police Department, claiming he anticipated Garcia's arrival in Washington for a visit, expressing concern when Garcia failed to appear or communicate.

Joplin revisited Ketchikan on March 27, 2017, and requested a welfare check on Garcia from the police.

After Joplin used Garcia's keys to grant access to the residence, police discovered Garcia's deceased body.