Body of Missing Florida Child, Luis Martinez, Found in Septic Tank

Luis Martinez Went Missing on Friday - the Two Year Old was Found Saturday in a Neighborhood Uncovered Septic Tank

Roz Zurko
The body of a Florida toddler found at the bottom of a septic tank is believed to be, Luis Martinez, the two year old reported missing on Friday.

The child was found in the septic tank which had an opening approximately 11 inches wide and was concealed by an overgrown grass covering. The uncovered opening was a very dangerous situation, Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee told Fox News in Florida. The opening, which had probably been like that for years, was a hidden hazard for a child that size to fall into.

Luis Martinez was at a neighbor's house on Silver Lane in Valrico, Fla. when he went missing about 3:30 pm. The toddler was last seen, asking a neighbor for ice cream.

The medical examiner will be confirming the identity of the child, but preliminary reports have identified him as Luis Martinez. An autopsy will be done to determine the time and cause of death.

A missing child alert was immediately put into place once the report came in that Luis Martinez was missing. Close to 400 volunteer workers searched the area near the home where the child was last seen. Sex Offenders were identified within a 5 mile radius which is standard procedure, Gee reports. A reverse 911 call went out to all residents and cars were stopped and searched leaving the area in all directions.

When a child goes missing, which unfortunately is not a rarity today, authorities immediately go into action. As soon as searchers can be assembled, a search is sectioned out and put underway.

Any known sex offenders, especially those who have histories with children as victims, are visited and questioned. Helicopters, ATV's, search dogs and even horses are brought in depending upon the terrain to aid in searching for a missing child.

Statistics tell us that as each hour goes by, the chances of finding a missing child safe and sound become less and less.

The circumstances surrounding those of the missing toddler, Luis Martinez, have not been released other than that he was at a neighbor's home at the time he had gone missing. Police have not released any specifics about the case other than that.

Published by Roz Zurko

Roz is a published freelance writer originally from Milford CT, a bedroom community for New York City. She writes full time from home in MA. She attended New Haven University and Graduated with a degree in...   View profile

  • The body of a 2 year old Florida child was found in a septic tank.
  • Luis Martinez last seen asking neighbor for ice cream on Friday.
  • Toddler's body found after missing from Florida home.
The body of a 2 year old Florida child was found in a septic tank. The tank had an 11 inch opening which was covered by long grass.

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  • Anthony 11/16/2010

    Sunday, November 28 · 2010 7:30pm - 10:00pm
    Location Valrico
    silver lake rd
    Valrico, FL
    Created By
    In Memory Of 2 year old Luis Martinez
    More Info This is a event I am creating in memory of a 2 year old boy who was killed by falling in a septic tank near his home. he went missing on Nov. 27,2009 and was found on that Sat. Nov.28,2009. So this year for the 1 year anniversary of little Luis is death I am doing a candle little memorial service. You may bring a candle or we will have one for you. I will have the mom and dad out there as I have become very close with them she is due to have another baby and is hoping it looks like little Luis.

  • Cycy Larson 12/4/2009

    Oh so sad!

  • Carol Roach 12/1/2009

    it is really really sad,

  • Angel Vee 11/30/2009

    so sad, great reporting!

  • Elizabeth Valentine 11/30/2009

    Oh how sad!

  • Cindy Lynn 11/29/2009

    Good reporting, Roz. Sad news, though.

  • Robert Silvius 11/29/2009

    Good report.

  • Malina Debrie 11/29/2009

    My heart aches for this little one. While I hesitate to condemn the parents, my question 'today' is where were they?

  • Jennifer Bove 11/29/2009

    horrible...Thanks for the report.

  • Susan Jane 11/29/2009

    This type of tragedy happens too often. It is so sad to hear of this outcome for the missing toddler. Just last week in Sydney a 2 year old boy was found drowned in a backyard swimming pool. He will be one of many during our summer season.

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