WILMINGTON ISLAND, Ga. — The Chatham County community is in shock following the tragic death of 59-year-old woman , who was found fatally stabbed inside her Wilmington Island apartment on Monday, October 27, 2025. Her son, 37-year-old Addison Martinez, has been identified by the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) as a person of interest in the case and is currently the subject of an urgent, multi-agency search effort.
According to CCPD, officers were dispatched to an apartment in the 100 block of Oyster Shell Road around 5:00 p.m. after reports that a woman had been found deceased inside the residence. When officers arrived, they discovered the 59-year-old victim suffering from apparent stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy will be conducted by the Chatham County Coroner’s Office to confirm the official cause of death.
Within hours of the discovery, investigators determined that the victim’s son, Addison Martinez, was likely responsible and had fled the scene. Detectives believe he was driving his mother’s vehicle, which was later found abandoned in a commercial parking lot in Pooler, approximately 20 minutes away from the crime scene.
Fearing for the safety of other family members, the Chatham County Police Department, along with the Savannah Police Department SWAT Team, conducted a tactical operation in the Highlands area of Savannah. Authorities later confirmed that the other family member was safe, but the search for Martinez remains active and ongoing.
Martinez is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, extremely thin, and possibly wearing oversized clothing, such as a hoodie. He has long black hair and a beard, though police caution that he may have shaved his beard since the homicide.
Officials further revealed that Martinez has a history of severe mental health issues and violent tendencies, noting that he has not been taking his prescribed medication.
“This is a very active and sensitive investigation,” a CCPD spokesperson said. “We urge anyone who may see Addison Martinez or know his whereabouts to call 911 immediately. He should not be approached under any circumstances.”
The Chatham County Police Department remains the lead agency on this case. Investigators continue to gather evidence and work closely with partner agencies to locate Martinez and bring closure to the family of the victim.
Authorities ask that anyone with information contact Chatham County Police Department detectives or Crime Stoppers to assist in the ongoing search.
