The Tragic case of Jason Corbett and the Aftermath: Murder or Self-defense?



Molly Martens Corbett's case is one high-profile murder case that captivated North Carolina and beyond. 

It was a devastating story of love turned lethal with allegations of insurance fraud. 

In 2015, Irish businessman Jason Corbett was found brutally murdered in his North Carolina home.

His wife Molly Martens Corbett and her father, Tom Martens, soon became the center of a chilling courtroom drama. 

Their defense of self-defense was met with skepticism, ultimately leading to convictions and prison sentences.

Let’s take a closer look at the events that unfolded, the criminal investigation, and the courtroom drama that featured some of the best lawyers in North Carolina.

Molly Martens Corbett


Who is Molly Martens Corbett?

Molly Martens Corbett grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee with her father, Tom Martens, who was an FBI agent.

In 2008, Molly moved to Ireland, where she became a nanny for Jason Corbett.

Jason's first wife had tragically passed away in 2006 and Jason was single at the time with two kids.

Their professional relationship evolved into a romantic one, leading to their marriage in 2011.

The family then relocated to Lexington, North Carolina, where Jason worked as a business executive in the packaging industry.

By many accounts, their marriage appeared stable, but behind closed doors, tensions grew. 

Prosecutors say Molly was unhappy in her marriage and claimed a large life insurance policy was part of her motive in what happened next.


Jason Corbett


Why Were Molly Martens and Her Father Convicted?

On August 2, 2015, emergency services responded to a 911 call from Molly.

She reported that her husband had been killed in self-defense during a violent altercation between them.

Jason Corbett was found in the couple’s bedroom, beaten to death with a baseball bat and a paving brick. 

Tom Martens, Molly’s father was visiting from Tennessee at the time.

He claimed he hit Jason to protect his daughter when Jason was allegedly choking her.

However, Jason’s family maintained that the attack was premeditated and driven by financial gain, particularly the potential benefits from Jason's life insurance.

They claimed that Jason was drugged before the assault, rendering him defenseless.


Jason Corbett


The Investigation and Evidence That Led To The Initial Convictions


The alleged insurance fraud quickly became a focus in the criminal investigation into Jason's death.

Jason’s refusal to allow Molly to adopt his children and his plans to amend his will were considered potential motives.

Jason Corbett did not allow Molly to adopt his children, Jack and Sarah, due to concerns over custody and legal rights. 

He was adamant about not using her citizenship to secure a visa, fearing it would give her legal grounds to maintain custody in the event of a divorce.

Molly's attempts to adopt were seen as a way to solidify her role as their mother, but Jason's refusal maintained his control over the situation.

Also at the time, Jason Corbett wanted to move back to Ireland.

He wanted to relocate primarily due to dissatisfaction with his life in the United States and concerns about his relationship with Molly Martens. 

He reportedly felt unhappy in his marriage, noting that Molly was acting strangely, which contributed to his desire to return.

Additionally, he missed Ireland and wanted to reconnect with his roots and family. 

His sister, Tracy Lynch, believed that Jason's plans to move back with the children didn't go down well with Molly. 

An extensive investigation soon uncovered inconsistencies in Molly and Tom’s accounts of the events, further weakening their claims of self-defense.

Jason Corbett and family

How Did the Legal Proceedings Unfold After the Murder?

Molly Corbett's trial involved some of the top criminal lawyers in Lexington, North Carolina. 

Several key pieces of evidence tied Molly Martens and her father to Jason's death, despite their claims of self-defense.

This included Jason's severe injuries, the lack of defensive wounds on Molly or her father, and text messages hinting at marital issues.

Prosecutors also argued that the crime scene was staged to support their narrative.

They revealed that Molly had a substantial life insurance policy on Jason and had expressed discontent with their marriage.

Crime scene investigators found no signs of forced entry or struggle outside the couple’s bedroom. 

Additionally, Jason’s autopsy revealed injuries inconsistent with the alleged self-defense scenario. 

Prosecutors presented these findings, alongside testimony from Jason’s family and friends, portraying Molly and her father as aggressors who meticulously planned the murder.

Molly Martens Corbett and her father, Tom Martens


In 2017, Molly and her father were convicted of second-degree murder.

This resulted in lengthy prison sentences—20 years for Molly and 25 years for Thomas. 

However, their convictions were quashed in 2021 by The North Carolina Court of Appeals.

The Apex Court overturned Molly Corbett and Thomas Martens' convictions for several key reasons:

1) Exclusion of Evidence: Statements made by Jason's children regarding alleged abuse were deemed inadmissible during the original trial, which the court found prejudiced the defense's ability to present a full self-defense claim.

2) Juror Misconduct: Allegations of juror misconduct were raised, suggesting that the defendants did not receive a fair trial.

3) Blood Spatter Expert Testimony: The court ruled that testimony about untested clothing with blood spatter should not have been allowed. 

These errors significantly affected the prosecutor's case, leading to a new trial.

Instead of facing another trial, the duo accepted a plea bargain in 2022. 

They pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, acknowledging their role in Jason’s death while avoiding harsher sentences. 

As a result, Molly and Thomas were sentenced to four years and three months, including time already served.

The plea deal provoked public outrage, especially among Jason’s family who believe justice was not served.

Despite their release in 2024, Molly and Thomas will remain under probation for one year, separated by state lines due to legal restrictions.

Got a tip about a crime? Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS immediately. 

You can also see how to report a crime anonymously online if you wish to remain anonymous. 



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