Police in Memphis arrested 22-year-old Saul Martinez after the body of his 3-year-old son, Joseph Martinez, was found inside a suitcase in woods connected to the Wolf River Harbor. The child's mother reported him missing on July 19; an affidavit says Saul was seen leaving with a suitcase around midnight on July 18. Family members say Saul admitted to killing Joseph and led investigators to the location where the suitcase was recovered. He faces multiple charges including first-degree murder; authorities have not released a motive.
Three-Year-Old Found Dead in Suitcase in Memphis Woods; Father Arrested and Charged
Joseph Martinez (left); and Saul Martinez.Credit: Memphis Police (2)
Authorities in Memphis, Tennessee, arrested 22-year-old Saul Martinez after the body of his 3-year-old son, Joseph Martinez, was recovered inside a suitcase in a wooded area connected to the Wolf River Harbor.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation began when Joseph's mother reported him missing on Sunday, July 19, telling police the boy had last been seen the previous day with his father. According to a Memphis Police Department press release and an affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, Saul was seen by his father, Octavio Martinez, leaving around midnight on Saturday, July 18. Octavio told officers that Saul entered his room asking for money, took car keys without permission, dragged a large suitcase to the vehicle and placed it in the front passenger seat before driving off.
Saul returned several hours later, briefly handed the keys back and left again. When he came back the following morning and family members confronted him, the affidavit says he admitted to killing Joseph and initially told them the body had been left in the river. Investigators say he then led them to a wooded area tied to the Wolf River Harbor and showed where the suitcase had been placed; officers recovered Joseph's body inside.
Joseph Martinez's loved ones are raising funds for his family.Credit: Gofundme
Charges and Court Status
Saul Martinez has been arrested and charged with multiple counts, including first-degree murder; first-degree murder in perpetration of a felony; aggravated child abuse; abuse of a corpse; and tampering with evidence. Online court records did not list any plea information as of Wednesday, and an attorney listed on his court docket had not provided comment at the time of reporting.
Family Response
Family members set up a GoFundMe to help cover expenses. In the fundraiser message, loved ones described Joseph as "someone's precious baby, grandson, and loved one," and wrote that 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."
"Today, we grieve for baby Joseph. We say his name. We honor his precious life. And we stand together with a family whose hearts have been forever changed."
Motive and Resources
Police have not publicly announced a suspected motive. Anyone who suspects child abuse or needs help can contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. Calls are toll-free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Note: This article reports allegations from law enforcement and an affidavit; charges against Saul Martinez are allegations, and he is entitled to due process.
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