A Tennessee father is facing murder charges after police said he killed his 3-year-old son, placed the child’s body inside a suitcase, and left it in a river in Memphis.
Authorities arrested 22-year-old Saul Martinez in connection with the death of his young son, Joseph Martinez. Police said Martinez is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence.
The investigation began after the child was reported missing, but police later said they discovered evidence that the toddler had been killed.
Child Reported Missing From Father’s Home
According to a probable cause affidavit, Memphis police began investigating the case around 8 a.m. Monday after receiving a missing child report.
Joseph’s mother told investigators that she had dropped off her son at Martinez’s home in the 3200 block of Southbridge Street on Saturday.
Martinez’s father, who also lived at the residence, told police that his son had custody of Joseph and the child’s brother for approximately three weeks before the incident.
Investigators said questions about Joseph’s disappearance led authorities to focus on Martinez.
Police Say Father Was Seen Moving Suitcase
According to court documents, Martinez’s father told police that around midnight Saturday, his son entered his bedroom and asked for money.
Martinez allegedly took his father’s car keys without permission and used his Infiniti Q60.
Before leaving, Martinez was reportedly seen pulling a large brown suitcase toward the vehicle and placing it inside the front seat.
Police said Martinez left the home with the suitcase before returning several hours later.
Authorities said Martinez returned to the residence again around 7 a.m., but Joseph was no longer there.
Martinez Allegedly Admitted Child Was Dead
When family members asked Martinez where Joseph was, investigators said he initially claimed the child was with friends.
However, after further questioning, Martinez allegedly told his father and other relatives that Joseph was “dead” and that he had placed the child’s body in the Wolf River.
Police said Martinez later directed officers to an area near Second Street and Plum Avenue, where he allegedly showed them the location connected to the river.
According to the affidavit, officers recovered the suitcase containing Joseph’s remains.
Authorities have not released the child’s cause of death.
Suspect Held Without Bond
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Martinez allegedly admitted to killing his son and disposing of the body in a river cove, according to police documents.
The affidavit did not reveal a possible motive for the alleged killing.
Martinez was arrested and booked into the Shelby County Jail, where he remains held without bond.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence and working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Joseph’s death.
Family Raises Money for Funeral Expenses
Joseph’s family has created a fundraising campaign to help cover funeral costs and support relatives during the difficult time.
The family described Joseph as a beloved child whose life was tragically cut short.
“Joseph was more than a name. He was someone’s precious baby, grandson, and loved one,” the family wrote. “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.”
The family said they are now facing a loss that no parent or grandparent should ever have to experience.
