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Father Kills Toddler, Hides Body in Suitcase
22 Jul
Summary
- A father arrested for murder in the death of his three-year-old son.
- The child's body was discovered inside a suitcase near a river.
- The suspect confessed to killing his son and hiding the body.
A Memphis father, Saul Martinez, 22, was arrested on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and charged with the murder of his three-year-old son, Joseph Martinez. The toddler had been reported missing by his grandfather on July 19, after Saul Martinez took him from their home without permission.
Police issued a city watch for Joseph Martinez, fearing he had been left near the Wolf River. Tragically, the boy's body was later found inside a suitcase in a wooded area near North Front Street, in Downtown Memphis.
According to an affidavit, Saul Martinez confessed to killing his son and then placing the body in a suitcase. He led police to the location where he had disposed of the body.
Martinez faces charges including first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. He is set to appear in court for his arraignment on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, for bail to be determined.
