Father arrested after admitting to killing 3-year-old son, leaving body in suitcase, police say

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) - A Memphis father has been charged with murder in connection with the death of his 3-year-old son.

According to the Memphis Police Department, its investigation began last Sunday when officers responded to a custody dispute at a home on Southbridge Street.

Police said 3-year-old Joseph Martinez was taken from the home by his non-custodial parent, Saul Martinez, without permission. The boy’s mother told officers that she last saw them together the day prior.

Memphis authorities said Saul Martinez returned to the boy’s home Monday morning but without the child.

Investigators noted that Saul Martinez’s father told police that his son had been caring for two children, including Joseph, for about three weeks.

Joseph’s grandfather continued, saying that around midnight Saturday, Saul Martinez entered his room, asked for money, and took his car keys without permission. He also said he saw his son place a large brown suitcase in the vehicle before driving away, Memphis police said.

Documents stated that Saul Martinez returned around 3 a.m. Sunday, gave back the keys, and then left in his own vehicle. Police said he did not return until Monday morning, but he still did not have the 3-year-old.

Saul Martinez’s father told investigators he questioned his son about the child’s whereabouts, police said.

According to documents, Saul Martinez initially shared that the child was with a friend before saying the boy was dead and that he allegedly put him in the Wolf River.

During questioning, Memphis authorities said Saul Martinez then led officers to a wooded area near Second Street and Plum Avenue, where he admitted to leaving the suitcase in question containing the child.

Investigators said that’s where they located Joseph’s body.

Saul Martinez was taken into custody on charges that included first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, aggravated child abuse and first-degree murder in perpetration of a felony.