DEFENCE LAWYERS IN the Jason Corbett trial rested their case today, meaning the court will soon hear closing arguments.
Before the defence rested, Molly Corbett waived her right to testify.
The refusal to testify comes after her father, Thomas Martens, testified approximately four and a half hours on Friday. The only other witness called by the defence was William Cole, a former co-worker of Martens. The co-worker testified Friday that Martens was honest, calm and deliberate.
The defence then renewed its motion to dismiss the charges, citing its previous argument that no evidence has been presented that contradicts self-defence. The motion was once again denied by Superior Court Judge David Lee.
Molly Corbett and her father, Martens, are each charged with second-degree murder in Jason Corbett’s 2015 death. They claim Jason Corbett was choking Molly Corbett and threatening to kill her, and they acted in self-defence.
Investigators have cast doubt on that defence. Authorities say Jason Corbett was planning to leave Molly Corbett – his second wife and former nanny to his children – and return to Ireland.
Lee and attorneys from both sides also held a preliminary charge conference, which is when the court goes over what instructions will be given to the jury. The jury will give a verdict for Martens and a verdict for Molly Corbett.
The defendants will either be charged with second-degree murder, the lesser included offence of voluntary manslaughter or found not guilty.
As final pieces of evidence, the defence submitted Jason Corbett’s will for the jury to read.
The prosecution submitted reports from Dr. Stuart James, the blood spatter analyst who previously testified. After closing arguments, the jury will begin its deliberation.
Jason Corbett died on 2 August 2015. Davidson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report that day of an assault at the Corbetts’ home at in Wallburg, North Carolina.
Martens, a 67-year-old retired FBI agent who was visiting the Corbetts with his wife, told authorities he was awakened by an argument between his daughter and son-in-law and went to their bedroom with a baseball bat, where he found Jason Corbett attacking his daughter.
The trial continues.
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