Joseph Martinez was remembered as an energetic child while authorities examined multiple scenes and detained his father.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Relatives and family friends were grieving Tuesday as Memphis police investigated how 3-year-old Joseph Martinez died after he was reported missing from a Parkway Village home and found near the Wolf River Harbor.
The child’s father was detained during the investigation, police said. Authorities had not announced charges, identified a cause of death or explained what happened between Joseph’s departure from the Southbridge Street residence and the discovery of his body downtown.
Police said officers first responded Sunday to a custodial interference report in the 3200 block of Southbridge Street. Investigators were told that Joseph’s father had left the home with the child without permission.
The father returned to the residence without Joseph shortly before 8 a.m. Monday, prompting a follow-up police response. A male was detained as officers gathered information and searched for the boy.
Investigators later received information that Joseph might be in the 100 block of North Front Street near the harbor. Officers went to the area and found the child dead. Police said the father told them he had left Joseph at a location near the Wolf River Harbor.
Chelsea Jones, a close friend of Joseph’s grandmother, described him as a lively child with a strong personality. “He was great. He was a three year old full of energy and personality,” Jones said. “He was amazing, he was an amazing little boy.”
Jones said the family was devastated and struggling to process his death. She said she was waiting for Joseph’s grandmother to return from downtown so she could comfort her.
Police activity stretched across several parts of Memphis on Monday. Investigators placed crime scene tape around the Southbridge Street home and worked near Mud Island and the harbor. Crews later towed a silver Dodge Charger and a second vehicle from the Parkway Village residence.
Authorities have not said whether the vehicles are connected to Joseph’s death. They also have not disclosed whether investigators found evidence at the residence, inside either vehicle or at the downtown scene.
The investigation remains open. Police have not released autopsy results, a detailed timeline or information about possible charges, leaving the child’s family and the wider community awaiting answers about his final hours.
Author note: Last updated July 21, 2026.