Saul Martinez, Memphis, Tennessee dad admits killing 3-year-old son, Joseph, after removing boy from residence. Missing toddler’s body found in suitcase by river as dad now faces first degree murder and other charges amid child custody case.
A Memphis, Tennessee father has admitted to killing his 3-year-old son amid an ongoing child custody dispute involving the boy’s mother.
Joseph Martinez was taken by his father, Saul Martinez from his grandfather’s residence whom he lived with on Saturday despite the non custodial parent not having permission to remove the boy from home.
Upon the father failing to return the boy, the boy’s mother on Sunday reached out to the Memphis Police Department, who initiated an investigation into the missing boy’s whereabouts.
Child custody case turns to tragedy
Authorities said Saul Martinez returned to the home Monday morning without Joseph, prompting heightened concerns as to the boy’s whereabouts and well-being.
Investigators learned from Saul Martinez’s father that his son had been caring for Joseph and his brother for approximately three weeks before the child’s disappearance, KY3 reported.
Not immediately clear is the legal status of the father’s ongoing care and custodial rights and whether the parent was involved in a child custody case involving the boy’s mother.
According to police documents, Saul’s father told investigators that around midnight Saturday, his son entered his bedroom, requested money, and took his vehicle keys without permission. He said he later saw Saul place a large brown suitcase inside the vehicle before leaving.
Police said Saul returned around 3 a.m. Sunday, returned the keys, and then left again in his own vehicle. He allegedly did not return until Monday morning just on 7 a.m, at which point his father questioned him about where Joseph was.
According to investigators, Saul initially claimed Joseph was staying with a friend. Police said he later changed his story and allegedly admitted the child was dead and that he had dumped the boy’s body in nearby Wolf River.
Dad dumps toddler’s body in suitcase by river
During questioning, Saul Martinez directed investigators to a wooded area near Second Street and Plum Avenue. Police said he admitted to leaving a suitcase there, which investigators later recovered and found Joseph’s remains inside, WREG reported.
Following the discovery, Saul Martinez was taken into custody and according to a Memphis Police Department release and was booked with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. Authorities also listed an additional first-degree murder charge related to the alleged commission of a felony.
‘I thought he was a great father’
‘He was great. He was a three-year-old full of energy and personality. He was amazing. He was an amazing little boy,’ said Chelsea Jones, friend of Joseph Martinez’s grandmother.
A neighbor of Martinez was surprised by the large police presence Monday and never suspected the father would be capable of murdering his own son according to WREG.
‘I thought he was a good father, cause he actually used to be out there with the swimming pool and the water hose when it was hot and the kids were always happy,’ said the neighbor.
‘I thought he was happy because every time they were with him, they were happy. Laughing and playing and stuff,’ added the neighbor according to Action News5.
According to posts made on Facebook, family members are asking the community to bring candles to Tom Lee Park at 6 p.m. Tuesday for a vigil in honor of the boy.
Saul Martinez is scheduled to appear in court, Wednesday morning.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding Joseph’s death or a possible motive.
