THE FAMILY OF Limerick man Jason Corbett have said that they “want to know all the facts… so we can all know the truth” about his death.
Speaking outside court in Davidson County Corbett’s sister Tracey Lynch delivered a brief statement thanking the North Carolina legal system for bringing its charges against Jason’s second wife and father-in-law:
We want to express our appreciation to Davidson County, District Attorney Garry Frank and Davidson county sheriff David Grice and to the investigators for their hard work and determination to uncover the truth.
We want all the facts to go in front of a jury so we can all know the truth. We continue to grieve over the murder of Jason. Jason’s kids are doing pretty well given what has happened, and we are thankful that they are in Ireland surrounded by their loving family.
Jason died on 2 August, 2015, after sustaining fatal head injuries in what police described as a “domestic disturbance” at the home in North Carolina that he shared with his second wife Molly.
Earlier, Molly Martens Corbett and her father Thomas Martens were officially confirmed as facing second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter charges in connection with his death. While their charges were dealt with separately both remained in court for each other’s hearing.
The Martens brought with them roughly a dozen friends and supporters to court according to RTE Morning Ireland. The Irish consul general for the region was also present, as were Jason Corbett’s sister Tracey and her husband David. There was no interaction between the two families during the hearing.
If convicted, second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in North Carolina. Voluntary manslaughter meanwhile carries a maximum sentence of 17 years.
Both Martens Corbett and her father have paid $200,000 bail and have been released to their family home in Tennessee where they will reside until the trial begins at the North Carolina Superior Court on 19 January.
Father and daughter will both plead not guilty to all charges.
The trial is expected to last some weeks, if not months.
Corbett’s first wife, and mother to Jack and Sarah, died from an asthma attack when the children were very young. Both of the children, who were present in the home during the incident on 2 August, now live in Ireland with family following a custody battle.
Jason Corbett was buried in Limerick.
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