Overview
- Police say officers recovered the body of 3-year-old Joseph Martinez inside a suitcase in a wooded area near the Wolf River after following information developed in the investigation.
- Joseph’s father, 22-year-old Saul Martinez, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.
- Court documents and family statements allege Martinez told relatives he killed the boy and discarded the body and that a family member saw him move a large suitcase late Saturday.
- Investigators say Martinez led officers to the location where the suitcase was found and the child’s mother had reported him missing after saying the child was last seen with his father.
- The case is moving into the prosecutorial phase with forensic examinations and arraignment expected next and authorities have not publicly released a motive.