Killers of Limerick man Jason Corbett could go free in plea-deal

MOLLY Martens and her father Tom could walk free today for the killing of Limerick man Jason Corbett. 

The 39 year-old businessman was killed in his home in North Carolina in 2015 leaving his two children orphaned. 

The Martens will appear before Judge David Hall at Davidson County Superior Court in North Carolina this Monday charged with second-degree murder. 

However, it has now been revealed that the pair may walk free from the court due to a plea-bargain deal. 

Ralph Riegal of the Irish Independent reports that it is understood the murder charge will be dropped if the pair accept a voluntary manslaughter count. 

If the charge of voluntary manslaughter is confirmed then they could be freed due to time already served in prison. 

Retrial of father and daughter accused of murdering Limerick man in United States delayed

When offered the plea-bargain deal, the duo can accept it, reject it or enter no contest whereby the judge will continue with the matter. 

The father and daughter were convicted of second-degree murder in 2017 and they served three-and-a-half years of their sentences before their convictions were overturned in 2021 following a court challenge. A full retrial was ordered which was expected to take place this November.

Mr Corbett's two children, Jack and Sarah, as well as his sister Tracey Corbett-Lynch will be in attendance at the court today. 

The first trial heard how Tom and Molly Martens beat the father-of-two to death as he lay asleep and helpless in bed. 

Tom Martens, a retired FBI agent, claimed he acted in self-defence and alleged Mr Corbett had attacked them.

However, the Corbett family maintained that the businessman was planning to bring his children back to his native Limerick amid increasing concerns over his wife's mental health problems.