WILMINGTON ISLAND, Ga. — 59-Year-Old Woman Fatally Stabbed in Wilmington Island Apartment; Son Named Person of Interest in Ongoing Manhunt

WILMINGTON ISLAND, Ga. — 59-Year-Old Woman Fatally Stabbed in Wilmington Island Apartment; Son Named Person of Interest in Ongoing Manhunt

WILMINGTON ISLAND, Ga. — The quiet, close-knit community of Wilmington Island is reeling in shock and grief after the tragic death of a 59-year-old woman who was found fatally stabbed inside her apartment on Monday, October 27, 2025. The Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) has identified her son, 37-year-old Addison Martinez, as a person of interest in the case. Authorities have launched an intense, multi-agency search to locate him as the investigation unfolds.

According to a statement released by CCPD, officers were dispatched to an apartment complex on Wilmington Island shortly before noon on Monday following a welfare check request. Family members had reportedly been unable to reach the victim for several hours, prompting concern. When officers arrived, they discovered the woman deceased inside her residence, suffering from multiple stab wounds.

Detectives quickly secured the scene and began an exhaustive investigation. Early findings indicate that there were no signs of forced entry, suggesting the victim may have known her attacker. Investigators named her son, Addison Martinez, as a person of interest after gathering initial evidence and speaking with witnesses who last saw the two together over the weekend.

Authorities have not yet released the name of the victim pending notification of extended family, but neighbors described her as a kind-hearted woman who had lived on Wilmington Island for several years and was known for her friendliness and generosity.

“She was the sweetest lady,” said one neighbor. “Always smiling, always willing to help. It’s just so hard to believe something this terrible happened right here in our community.”

The Chatham County Police Department, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Savannah Police Department, has issued a be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) alert for Addison Martinez. He is believed to be traveling in a silver 2014 Toyota Camry with Georgia license plate RFG-2197. Police warn that Martinez may be armed and should not be approached.

“We are working tirelessly to locate Mr. Martinez and bring him into custody for questioning,” said CCPD Chief Jeff Hadley during a press briefing. “This is a deeply tragic case, and our investigators are following every lead. We ask anyone who sees him or knows his whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.”

The news of the homicide has sent ripples of sadness and disbelief throughout Chatham County. Friends and co-workers of the victim have taken to social media to share condolences and memories, describing her as a devoted mother, compassionate neighbor, and loyal friend who loved her family deeply.

“It breaks my heart,” one friend wrote. “She didn’t deserve this. She was such a beautiful soul, always looking out for everyone else. I can’t believe she’s gone.”

Local residents have expressed growing concern over the rare act of violence in their typically peaceful community. Wilmington Island, known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and quiet charm, has seen few incidents of this nature in recent years. Many neighbors have come together to support one another and honor the memory of the woman whose life was so brutally taken.

A small memorial of flowers and candles has begun to form outside the apartment complex, as loved ones gather to grieve and remember her life. Community leaders have also called for compassion and unity, urging residents to keep the victim’s family in their thoughts as law enforcement continues its search.

The Chatham County Police Department is asking anyone with information about Addison Martinez’s whereabouts or the events leading up to the stabbing to call (912) 652-6920 or submit an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020.

As the investigation continues, the Wilmington Island community remains in mourning — struggling to make sense of a tragedy that unfolded in their midst. The loss of this beloved woman has left an irreplaceable void, and as the manhunt intensifies, the hope for justice and answers grows stronger with each passing hour.