Jason’s parents hit out at Molly for ‘ hurtful’ posts
Corbetts say social media campaign has ‘exacerbated’ their loss
JASON Corbett’s parents have said their grief has been ‘ exacerbated’ by a social media campaign waged by their son’s second wife.
In a statement issued to mark the one month anniversary of Jason’s funeral, John and Rita Corbett said their lives have been turned upside down, and that the behaviour of Molly Martens and her family has been ‘hurtful’.
Mr Corbett, 39, was found bludgeoned to death in his North Carolina home on August 2. His second wife, Ms Martens, 31, and her father, 65year-old Thomas Martens, have been described by detectives as ‘persons of interest’ in the investigation.
Despite this, Ms Martens has posted numerous messages on Facebook stressing her love for Jason’s two children, Jack and Sarah.
The statement by Jason’s parents read: ‘We have struggled to comprehend and come to terms with the loss of our youngest born – a son who was a gentle, caring, ambitious child who grew into a generous, loving and kind man who loved greatly everyone special in his life. He was a wonderful son, brother, husband and friend but above all, a wonderful father. Our lives have been turned upside down and will never be the same.’
Mr Corbett’s two children, Jack, 11, and Sarah 9, were placed in the custody of their aunt Tracey in August. Their stepmother Ms Martens had applied for custody but was forced to surrender guardianship after a judge decided they were to live with their aunt, as stated in Mr Corbett’s will. In their statement, John and Rita Corbett said the children’s return to Limerick , where their father grew up, brought them some comfort.
‘He [Jason] was not ill, not in an accident and we never got to say goodbye,’ they wrote.
‘Throughout this whole ordeal we have learned more than ever the value of community spirit. The support, action, words of comfort and expressions of sympathy in response to our distress has been of great solace to us both, along with our children who are here on earth with us. We draw some comfort knowing that our grandchildren Jack and Sarah have been returned to their home where their dad intended them to grow into adulthood.’
Referring to Ms Marten’s sustained attempts to contact Jack and Sarah via a series of Facebook posts, they described her actions as ‘hurtful and painful’.
They wrote: ‘This trauma is exacerbated by a painful and hurtful social media campaign by a person of interest in our son’s killing.’
In the statement, Mr and Mrs Corbett took the opportunity to thank all those who have helped the family in the months since their son’s death. They wrote: ‘Our family would like to extend our thanks to each and every one of you who have helped out, raised funds, wrote letters of support and passed along kind words.
‘For all the wonderful words, stories and letters about Jason, thank you. To each of you who attended his funeral to celebrate his life, thank you. To all those involved in the Bring back Jack & Sarah Home campaign, thank you.’
Detectives in North Carolina are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr Corbett’s death. It is understood they will interview Ms Martens and her father before a file is sent to the District Attorney’s office.
North Carolina DA Garry Frank will then decide what, if any, charges are to be brought.
‘We never got to say goodbye’