A Tennessee father has been charged with murder after police allege he killed his 3-year-old son and disposed of the child's body in a suitcase along the Wolf River in Memphis.
Background
Saul Martinez, 22, was caring for his son Joseph Martinez at his home in the 3200 block of Southbridge Street when authorities say the toddler disappeared. According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, the boy's mother had dropped Joseph off at Martinez's residence on Saturday. Martinez's father, who also lives in the home, told police his son had custody of Joseph and his brother for approximately three weeks.
The investigation began around 8 a.m. Monday when family members reported the child missing. The timeline leading up to the disappearance remains under scrutiny by investigators piecing together events from the preceding days.
The Investigation
Around midnight on Saturday, Martinez entered his father's bedroom and asked for money before taking car keys without permission to access his Infiniti Q60, according to the complaint. Authorities allege Martinez was seen "pulling a large brown suitcase" toward the vehicle before placing it in the front seat and driving away.
Martinez returned to the home approximately three hours later but left again in another vehicle. He came back around 7 a.m., though the boy was no longer present. When questioned about Joseph's whereabouts, Martinez initially claimed the child was with friends. Under further questioning from family members, he admitted Joseph was "dead" and that he had placed the boy's body in the Wolf River.
Martinez subsequently led officers to an area near Second Street and Plum Avenue connected to the river. There, he showed investigators the suitcase containing his son's remains. A cause of death has not yet been released pending autopsy results.
After receiving Miranda warnings, Martinez allegedly confessed to killing his son and disposing of the body in a cove on the Wolf River, according to the affidavit. Investigators have not disclosed a motive for the alleged killing.
The Charges
Martinez faces four charges: first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. He was arrested and transported to the Shelby County Jail, where he is being held without bond. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare for potential proceedings.
Joseph's family has established a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses. "Joseph was more than a name," the description states. "He was someone's precious baby, grandson, and loved one. He had a whole life ahead of him—a life that should have been filled with laughter, birthdays, hugs, playing, learning, and growing up surrounded by those who loved him."
Key Takeaways
- Saul Martinez, 22, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his 3-year-old son Joseph Martinez
- Police allege Martinez placed the child's body in a large brown suitcase and drove to the Wolf River before discarding the remains
- The suspect allegedly confessed after receiving Miranda warnings but investigators have not disclosed an alleged motive
- A cause of death has not been released as authorities continue their investigation
- Martinez is being held at Shelby County Jail without bond pending further court proceedings
What's Next
The case is expected to proceed through the Shelby County court system. An official autopsy report determining the cause and manner of Joseph's death remains pending. Family members have set up funeral arrangements while prosecutors continue building their case against Martinez.