An appalling murder case unfolded in Memphis, Tennessee. A 22-year-old man, Saul Martinez, was arrested for allegedly killing his 3-year-old son, Joseph Martinez, placing the child’s body in a suitcase, and abandoning it in the Wolf River.
Timeline of Events
According to law enforcement, Martinez left home with his son during the night of Saturday, July 18, 2026, and did not return until Monday morning, July 20 — without the boy. His father, who lives with him, grew suspicious when Martinez entered his room around midnight on Saturday, asked for money, and took the keys to his father’s car.
Martinez returned early Sunday morning to drop off the keys before leaving again in his own vehicle — behavior that raised red flags for his father.
Confession and Discovery
When Martinez arrived back at the residence at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, his father asked where his grandson was. Initially, Martinez claimed Joseph was staying with friends. But shortly afterward, he confessed to his father and other relatives that the boy was dead — and that he had dumped the body in the Wolf River.
He then led police to a wooded area, where authorities located the suitcase containing the child’s remains.
Charges Filed
Martinez faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, first-degree murder in the perpetration of severe child abuse, aggravated child abuse, desecration of a corpse, and evidence tampering.