We’re just relieved for Jack and Sarah
Corbetts’ custody joy... but grief over Jason still hurts
THE sister of Jason Corbett has spoken of the family’s continued heartache in the wake of a failed attempt by his wife Molly Martens to gain custody of his two children.
Tracey Lynch has said that while she and husband David are relieved to have won custody of Jack and Sarah, ‘grief’ at the death of Jason stills follows her.
And the tug of love looks set to go on, with Ms Martens’s family vowing to continue to ‘send messages of love’ to the children.
Ms Martens, described by police as a ‘person of interest’ in the investigation into her husband’s death, was forced to surrender his children – Jack, 11, and nine-year-old Sarah – last August after a US judge ruled they should return to Ireland.
An appeal against the decision, which was heard in a North Carolina Superior Court on Tuesday, was denied. Following the decision to uphold the original ruling, Tracey, who had travelled to the US for the hearing with her husband David, said: ‘We are delighted and relieved.’
However she added: ‘I wish there was something that would solve our heartache and grief but no matter where we go this nightmare we live in follows me. We have to return to Christmas cheer and festive spirits.
‘I will put on a brave face, I will be strong and smile and make lists for Santa, dress the Christmas tree because that’s what our children need from me. All the time remembering the smiling face, warm embrace from Jason when he arrived to my home last December to spend the holidays with us.
‘I still have his Christmas jumper in my wardrobe that he left. He will never wear it. But I know I have blessings, four children that depend on me, love me and I them. Awesome family and friends who all pull together and support us. An amazing husband who, when the kids go to bed at night, will hold me while I cry for everything we have all lost and everything we have to endure.’
Upholding an earlier decision, Superior Court Judge Ted Royster ruled that District Court Judge April Wood was correct in ruling Brian Shipwash, Clerk of Superior Court, was within his jurisdiction to grant guardianship to David and Tracey Lynch. Ms Lynch said that the welfare of the children was her priority
‘It would be so much worse if we had not fought to carry out Jason’s wishes and ensure the safety and wellbeing of Jack and Sarah,’ she said. ‘Their welfare is our priority. I wish people who profess love would be honest instead of misleading the public, I wish they would act with love towards Jack and Sarah.’
After the lastest ruling, Ms Martens took to Facebook to express her sadness over the decision. ‘I am heartbroken and devastatingly sorry,’ she wrote.
‘Our lives together may not have mattered in the eyes of the law, but they are what matters most to me. Jack and Sarah – I love you and will always be your mommy.’
The US police investigation into the death of Mr Corbett was completed last month and the sheriff in charge expects developments before Christmas. Mr Corbett, originally from Janesboro, Limerick, died from blunt force injuries at the North Carolina home he shared with Ms Martens and his two children from his late wife Mags Fitzpatrick.
The family of Ms Martens has vowed to continue the fight to be reunited with the children. Mike Earnest, an uncle of Mrs Martens, speaking for his niece and extended family in the US, said: ‘Molly and her family will continue to send messages of love to Jack and Sarah and will continue the struggle to one day reuniting with them.
‘Every attempt to send the children messages of love and affection by Molly and members of her extended family have been coldly rebuffed by their current guardians. Their life in America, which Jack and Sarah plainly loved, has been completely removed from them.
‘Is this truly looking out for the welfare of the children? Words of remorse have been extended to the Corbett family despite interviews stating otherwise.
‘When the Corbett’s US estate attorney contacted Molly’s estate attorney requesting certain items from the home, Molly immediately responded by saying, “by all means”. Yet, because Molly only asked for some small confirmation that the children had received these items, the request by the Corbett’s attorney was rescinded.’
Mr Earnest, a fraud investigator, added that Molly will not forget Jack and Sarah.
He said: ‘Molly nurtured and cared for Jack and Sarah the majority of their lives. She has acted in every way Jack and Sarah’s parent with the full knowledge and support of their father.
‘She daily met Jack and Sarah’s needs for food, shelter, clothing, care and affection.’
‘This nightmare follows us’