Sister of Limerick man Jason Corbett reacts to 'nightmare' over killers' release date

THE SISTER of Limerick man Jason Corbett has spoken of  the “hurt and upset” caused by the North Carolina justice system over a mistake made, which could have seen his killers released early.

Tom Martens (73) and Molly Martens (40) were sentenced to serve between seven months and 30 months in prison for the killing of Mr Corbett, from Janesboro in Limerick, in August 2015.

However, on Monday, the North Carolina prison service said that Mr Martens would be freed on Tuesday of this week, while Ms Martens would be freed a day later on Wednesday.

This news sent shockwaves across two countries, both Ireland and the US, however, its impact was felt the most by Jason’s family in Limerick, including his orphaned children, Jack and Sarah Corbett, and his sister, Tracey Corbett Lynch.

Confirmed: Molly and Thomas Martens will remain in US prison until next summer

In a statement on X, Ms Corbett Lynch said that the family were “left dealing with a nightmare on Monday over this prison release error - and no one from the North Carolina justice system contacted us that day to offer help or support.”

She also criticised the lack of remorse shown by the father and daughter killers. 

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Corrections (NCDP) confirmed to the Limerick Leader, that a mistake had been made in calculating their release dates. 

“The current projected release dates for both are June 27, 2024. Corbett and Martens will be transferred to state prison facilities to complete the remainder of their sentences,” the spokesperson added. 

However, Ms Corbett Lynch said that this confusion had already caused more pain to two children “who have already suffered far too much.”

Mr Corbett’s sister said that she found it “incredible” that it was only on a second check of the early release sentence calculations that the error was spotted. 

“We also remain convinced that, but for the actions of the Irish media and the Justice For Jason supporters in highlighting this injustice, the two killers who cruelly took Jason's life and tried to attack his good name would be released after the shocking period of just four weeks behind bars,” she added.

Ms Corbett Lynch said that the events of the past few weeks “raise serious questions about the fairness and the empathy” of the justice system in North Carolina.

She added that their family will continue to speak out about this and campaign for victims' rights whether it is in Ireland or the US.

Molly and Tom Martens, by their violent actions, orphaned our brother Jason's beloved two children, Jack (19) and Sarah (17). They have never shown remorse. The events of the sentencing hearing and the confusion over incorrect early prison release dates in North Carolina this…

— Tracey Corbett Lynch (@Lynchtr5) December 5, 2023

Ms Corbett Lynch also asked for privacy, to allow the family to deal with the hurtful events of the past few days and weeks.

The 39-year-old businessman, originally from Janesboro, was killed in his home in North Carolina in 2015.

Ms Martens, who married Mr Corbett in 2011, and her father, were initially convicted of second-degree murder At the time, the pair were given 20- to 25-year prison sentences. However, this was overturned following an appeal two years ago.

As part of a plea agreement in October, Martens did not contest a charge of voluntary manslaughter, while her father pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.

This resulted in prosecutors dropping charges of second-degree murder as part of the plea agreement.