Police said 3-year-old Joseph Martinez was found inside a suitcase in a wooded area near Wolf River Harbor.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A 22-year-old Memphis man has been arrested on murder and child abuse charges after police said his missing 3-year-old son was found dead inside a suitcase near Wolf River Harbor.
Saul Martinez is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree murder during the alleged commission of aggravated child abuse, aggravated child abuse, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence, according to police. No bond had been set as of Tuesday.
Police identified the child as Joseph Martinez. Authorities said his body was discovered Monday in a wooded area near the harbor, close to Second Street and Plum Avenue in Memphis.
Investigators allege that Martinez killed his son and left the child near the riverfront area. The charges are allegations, and Martinez has not been convicted.
Authorities have not released details about when Joseph was last seen, when he was reported missing or what led officers to search the area near Wolf River Harbor. Police also have not said who found the suitcase.
The circumstances surrounding the child’s death remain under investigation. A cause and manner of death have not been publicly released, and police have not disclosed what evidence led them to arrest Martinez.
The first-degree murder charge tied to aggravated child abuse alleges that the child died during the commission of another felony. Martinez also faces a separate aggravated child abuse count, though authorities have not released the factual allegations supporting each charge.
The abuse of a corpse and evidence-tampering charges relate to investigators’ allegations about what happened after the child died. Police have not provided a detailed timeline of the case or said how long Joseph’s body may have been near the harbor.
No information was immediately available about Martinez’s attorney, an initial court appearance or future hearing dates. The investigation remained active Wednesday.
Author note: Last updated July 22, 2026.