MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Memphis Police have launched a death investigation after issuing a City Watch for a missing toddler who was taken by his biological father Monday morning.

According to MPD, the 3-year-old Joseph Martinez was taken from a home in the 3200 block of Southbridge Street in Parkway Village by his biological father without permission.

MPD said just before 8 a.m., the father returned to the home without the toddler.

At 10 a.m., MPD canceled the City Watch but did not specify whether Martinez had been located safely.

During the investigation, MPD developed information that the child was in the 100 block of North Front Street. When officers arrived, they found him deceased.

Action News 5 saw crime scene tape and MPD investigators on North Second Street near Plum Avenue. MPD confirmed the scene is connected to the homicide investigation but did not say how.

MPD said the incident remains under active investigation. No word on cause of death at this time. Action News 5 is working to gather more information as it becomes available.

Souce: https://www.actionnews5.com/