Eddington ending explained: Who kills Ted?

Eddington, an American Neo-Western satirical black comedy film explores the tensions in a small-town mayoral race during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in New Mexico. Released by A24, Eddington premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and hit theaters on July 18, 2025. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone, the film has received a 6.6 rating for its social commentary. 

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Eddington. Readers' discretion is advised.

Ari Aster's film, the fight between Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) gets worse and worse until a terrible tragedy happens. Eddington's story is mostly about how Joe's personal and political life gets worse as he gets into a rage and kills Ted. In a brutal act that changes the course of the movie, Joe kills Ted and his son Eric. Following his personal grudges and political ambition, Joe becomes the antagonist in the story.

Ted's killing becomes the key point of Joe's downfall and it gives way to a series of violent events that ultimately lead to the film's chaotic conclusion. 

Who Kills Ted in Eddington?

Ted's death occurs halfway through the film. Sheriff Joe Cross, driven by jealousy, rage, and a desire for control, ultimately assassinates Mayor Ted Garcia and his son, Eric. The motive behind this action begins when Joe publicly accuses Ted of s*xually abusing his wife, Louise. 

Joe confronts Ted, hoping to get answers about a fundraiser Ted is hosting. However, Ted belittles Joe and physically assaults him, further inflaming Joe’s fury. In the aftermath of killing a displaced man who had broken into Ted's bar, Joe sneaks onto Ted's property with a sniper rifle. Joe cold-bloodedly kills Ted and his son Eric. Joe attempts to frame the murder of protestors to achieve his political goals.

What were the consequences of Ted's death?

The death of Ted Garcia dramatically changes Joe into a villain from a morally conflicted sheriff. Ted’s murder leads to chaos in the town of Eddington and sends Joe into a spiral of betrayal and further violence. Joe frames others for the murders, including his young protégé, Michael. He becomes ruthless, using Ted's death to fuel his political ascent, even at the cost of destroying the connections close to his heart.

Joe’s descent into villainy is reflected in other acts of violence, including the murder of a teenager who simply confronted him. Joe's rage pushes him to commit more brutal actions to maintain control and power.

Does the masked gunman affect the ending of Eddington?

The masked gunman is initially introduced as a mysterious figure with some unknown motives. He appears in the town and his presence escalates the conflict between Joe and his enemies. His actions are framed as part of a larger conspiracy possibly linked to liberal organizations like ANTIFA. However, the gunman’s true motive remains unknown.

Guy, Joe's volatile deputy, dies in an explosion that the shooter set off. The gunman also takes Michael hostage and uses him as a lure to catch Joe. During the last, tense chase, the gunman almost kills Joe but Brian confronts him and kills him. While the masked gunman's death ends a chaotic part of the movie, his presence shows destructive violence.

What are the other major deaths in Eddington?

Even though Ted's death is the most important one in Eddington, it's not the only one. Several other important characters die horrible deaths in the movie's third act. When Joe kills a homeless man who broke into Ted's bar, it's a big change for his character. He goes from being a conflicted police officer to a violent bad guy. Ted's son Eric's death makes Joe's role in the story even more complicated because it shows how much his ambition has cost him personally.

In addition to these deaths, the masked gunman’s actions led to the death of Officer Butterfly Jimenez, killed in a confrontation with the gunman. Butterfly was looking into Ted's death and was almost able to find the truth. His death is sad because it shows how Joe's actions hurt other people. The masked gunman's death is also a big deal because it's the last piece in the violent puzzle that is Eddington's ending.

What happens to Joe after Ted’s death?

Joe finally gets the political power he's always wanted, but it costs him a lot. Joe is left in a vegetative state after being badly hurt in the final fight. Joe was elected Mayor, but his illness keeps him from being able to speak or take care of himself. Dawn, his mother-in-law, takes care of him and uses his silence to change how people think about her extreme political agenda.

The terrible things that happened to Joe were a direct result of what he did to get power. He has lost everything: his future, his family and his honor.  

Eddington is running in theaters.