Jason’s family said in a statement to RTE news today that “after a nine-year battle for justice, we are deeply disappointed by the impending release of Tom and Molly Martens.”
The family said Molly Martens Corbett and Tom Martens are responsible for the “senseless and brutal” killing of Jason Corbett which left his two children “orphaned”.
“Jason was drugged and they beat him with a brick and a baseball bat while he was unable to defend himself. Molly and Tom Martens left the room without a mark on either of them.
“The heinous actions of Tom and Molly Martens not only took Jason’s life in a malevolent, cruel and vicious manner but they also set about to tarnish his reputation and use his children in a self-serving attempt to evade accountability.
“Despite the gravity of their crime and the immense loss they inflicted, they will be freed today after serving just four years and three months,” the statement said.
“As Jason’s family, we vow to tirelessly uphold his honourable legacy and seek justice to preserve his memory.
“Amidst this sombre occasion, we draw solace from witnessing Jack and Sarah, the remarkable children Jason left behind, blossom into exceptional individuals he would undoubtedly be proud of.
“Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the unwavering support from the communities of Davidson County in North Carolina and Limerick in Ireland, who stood by our side throughout this harrowing ordeal that no family should endure.
“We remain resolute in our pursuit of truth, justice, and the protection of Jason’s cherished memory,” added the statement.
Last November, Molly Martens Corbett and Tom Martens were sentenced to a minimum of four years and three months for the voluntary manslaughter of 39-year-old Jason Corbett in 2015.
The pair were convicted of murder in 2017 but appealed the conviction, which was later quashed. They were released on bail pending a retrial.
They were sentenced to a minimum of four years and three months in prison at a hearing last November, including time already served in jail.
