Police detained the child’s father after he returned to a Parkway Village home without the 3-year-old boy.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A missing 3-year-old boy was found dead near the Wolf River Harbor in downtown Memphis on Monday after his father returned to a Parkway Village home without him, police said.
Memphis police identified the child as Joseph Martinez. Authorities said officers detained his father while investigating the disappearance, but they had not announced criminal charges or released the child’s cause of death as of Tuesday.
The investigation began Sunday when officers responded to a report of custodial interference in the 3200 block of Southbridge Street. Police said Joseph’s father had left the residence with the child without permission.
Officers returned to the Southbridge Street home shortly before 8 a.m. Monday after the father came back without Joseph, according to police. Investigators detained a male at the residence and began searching for information about the child’s location.
Police issued a City Watch alert for Joseph as the search continued. During the investigation, officers learned that the boy might be in the 100 block of North Front Street, near the Wolf River Harbor and the southern end of Mud Island.
Officers went to the downtown location and found Joseph dead. Police said the father told investigators that he had left the child near the harbor. Authorities have not disclosed when Joseph died or described the circumstances leading to his death.
The City Watch was canceled Monday morning after police located the child. The cancellation initially did not say whether he had been found safe, and police later confirmed his death.
Investigators worked at several locations Monday, including the Southbridge Street residence and areas near the downtown harbor. Crime scene tape surrounded the Parkway Village home, and police activity was also reported near Mud Island and North Front Street.
A silver Dodge Charger and another vehicle were towed from the Southbridge Street property during the investigation. Police have not said whether either vehicle is considered evidence or explained how the scenes are connected.
The case remains an active death investigation. Police have not released autopsy findings, a possible motive or details about any charges, and authorities said additional information would be provided as the investigation develops.
Author note: Last updated July 21, 2026.