A Memphis father, Saul Martinez, 22, faces multiple charges including first-degree murder after allegedly killing his 3-year-old son, Joseph Martinez, and concealing the child's body in a suitcase.
According to court documents and police affidavits, Martinez left his home with his son on a Saturday night and returned Monday morning without the child. The elder Martinez's father became suspicious when his son borrowed money and took his car keys around midnight Saturday. Saul Martinez reportedly returned early Sunday morning to drop off the car keys before leaving again in his own vehicle.
Upon his return Monday morning, the father questioned his son about the whereabouts of his grandson. Initially, Saul Martinez claimed the child was with friends. However, he later allegedly confessed to his father and other relatives that his son was dead and that he had disposed of the body in the Wolf River.
Martinez led authorities to a wooded area where the suitcase containing the child's remains was recovered. The charges against Martinez include first-degree murder, first-degree murder in perpetration of aggravated child abuse, aggravated child abuse, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence.```jsonjson{