Family members of Limerick businessman Jason Corbett, who was killed by his wife and father-in-law in the US, have said they “can still find a path to move forward” with their lives despite not being satisfied with the prison sentence the pair received.
Molly Martens (40) and her father, Tom Martens (73), were sentenced on Wednesday to serve between seven and 30 months behind bars for the manslaughter of the father of two. The time the pair had already spent in prison was taken into consideration by the judge.
The Martens were originally convicted of second-degree murder, but their convictions were quashed following an appeal.
They subsequently agreed a plea deal, accepting the charges of voluntary manslaughter in relation to Mr Corbett's death.
Mr Corbett was found dead in his home in North Carolina in the US in August 2015, aged 39.
The court previously heard Mr Corbett sustained extreme injuries, having been beaten with a brick and a baseball bat.
On Thursday morning, a statement issued on the Corbett family's Facebook support group, Jason’s Journey, said that while it was “not a moment for celebration”, they can still find a path to move forward with their lives.
The statement continued: "Jack and Sarah have at last had the chance to communicate unencumbered and without hindrances. While we may not be satisfied with the sentencing, we would like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work exhibited by the Davidson County Sheriff department and the District Attorney's office throughout the past eight years.
“We are deeply grateful for the support we have received from the people of North Carolina and Ireland, and we kindly ask for privacy as our family moves forward, with the comforting knowledge that Jason will forever hold a place in our hearts and memories. Tracey Corbett Lynch and family.”
Mr Corbett’s children, Jack (19) and Sarah (17), were in the house at the time of their father’s death. They currently live with their legal guardians, Mr Corbett’s sister Tracey Lynch, and her husband, David, in Limerick.
Jack and Sarah Corbett read out statements to the court on Wednesday on how the death of their father affected them. Their mother, Mags, Mr Corbett’s first wife, died of an asthma attack in 2006.
Jack Corbett told the court that Molly Martens was a “monster”.
He said he suffered from panic attacks and fear since his father died and said Molly Martens taught him to “lie and manipulate in every way”.
Sarah Corbett said she was “traumatised” over her father’s death and having to “leave my home, my friends, and my country” after his death.
She told the judge her life “is filled with anniversaries of deaths” and that the “Martens have made me an orphan”.
Mr Corbett and Molly Martens met when she became the children’s nanny after his first wife died.
The Corbett family have continuously fought to seek justice for Mr Corbett since his death more than eight years ago.
