Wife, father-in-law of Jason Corbett charged over death

The wife and father-in-law of Jason Corbett (39), originally from Janesboro in Limerick city, have been charged in the US in connection with his death in North Carolina last August.

Mr Corbett was found dead at his home in Panther Creek, Wallburg, following what the authorities described at the time as a domestic disturbance.

Davidson County District Attorney Garry Frank told The Irish Times the County Grand Jury had indicted Molly Martens Corbett (31) and her father, Thomas Michael Martens (65)with second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter charges in connection with the killing of Mr Corbett.

He said both would be brought before Davidson County Superior Court in the coming days where they would be formally charged and terms for pretrial release would be decided.

A date would also be set for their next court appearance, he said.

Early on Sunday, August 2nd last, Mr Corbett was found with fatal head injuries at the home he shared with his second wife, Molly Martens, and his two children from a first marriage, Jack (10) and Sarah (8).

Police had been called to the house at Panther Creek Court at 3.04am in response to a domestic disturbance.

Following Mr Corbett’s death his wife initiated a custody battle for his two children which she lost. Mr Corbett had appointed his sister Tracey Lynch as guardian to his children following the death of his first wife Mags in 2006 of an asthma attack.

US courts granted custody of the children to Ms Lynch and her husband David.

Mr Corbett was buried with his first wife at Limerick’s Castlemungret cemetery onAugust 25th last after his children arrived back in Ireland.