In a twist of events, Molly Corbett and her father, Tom Martens, were granted a new trial by the North Carolina Supreme Court in March 2021. They were later released on bond the following month. The case, which stemmed from the death of Molly’s husband, Jason Corbett, took a new turn when Molly pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in October 2023. Her father, Tom Martens, also pleaded guilty to the same charge. Consequently, the second-degree murder charge against them was dropped, and they were each sentenced to an additional 7 to 30 months in prison. Eventually, they were released from custody in June 2024.
The story of Jason Corbett’s tragic death began in August 2015, when former FBI agent Tom Martens and his daughter, Molly Corbett, confessed to killing Jason by beating him with a brick paver and a baseball bat. They claimed it was an act of self-defense, stating that Jason was choking Molly and threatening to kill her. However, Tracey Lynch, Jason’s sister, vehemently denied these claims, asserting that Jason was a gentle soul who was unjustly killed. Lynch sought to set the record straight about her beloved brother, emphasizing his character and the impact of his loss on their family.
Jason Corbett’s life story was marked by tragedy, from the loss of his first wife to an asthma attack to his own untimely death at the hands of his wife and father-in-law. Despite facing challenges and heartbreak, Jason persevered as a single father to his two young children. His decision to hire Molly Martens as an au pair ultimately led to a romantic relationship and marriage, culminating in a move to the United States. However, as details of their tumultuous relationship emerged, questions surrounding Jason’s intentions to move back to Ireland with the children without Molly added a layer of complexity to the case.
As the trial unfolded, the prosecution presented evidence indicating the brutal nature of Jason’s death, with at least a dozen blows to the head causing severe trauma. The prosecution argued that Molly and Tom’s claims of self-defense were implausible, pointing to the lack of injuries on the defendants that contradicted their version of events. Despite the emotional testimony and graphic crime scene photos, the jury deliberated for only three hours before reaching a verdict of second-degree murder for Molly and Tom. The sentencing marked a bittersweet moment for Lynch and her family, offering a sense of closure while grappling with the loss of Jason.
The subsequent legal proceedings, including the appeal for a new trial and the eventual plea agreements for voluntary manslaughter, further complicated the case. With Molly and Tom’s release from prison, the resolution of Jason Corbett’s death left lingering questions about justice and accountability. The impact of the trial reverberated through both families, underscoring the complex dynamics of relationships and the far-reaching consequences of violence and loss. As the story of Jason Corbett’s life and death continues to unfold, the quest for truth and closure remains paramount for those left behind.
