Molly’s uncle claims Jason was killed in self-defence

THE family of Molly Martens have claimed her husband Jason Corbett was killed in ‘self-defence’ and that the actions taken by her and her father were ‘completely necessary and justified’.

Ms Martens’s uncle Michael Earnest said yesterday that she and her father will plead not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter.

He said he was confident they would be ‘exonerated’.

Mr Earnest said there were ‘no finer people you would care to meet’ than Ms Martens and her father.

He told Newstalk Breakfast: ‘I have known Tom for 44 years and Molly since she was born 32 years ago.’

He added: ‘The actions of selfdefence that Tom and Molly took on the morning of August 2 were completely necessary and justified.

‘While the family is extremely disappointed in the grand jury’s actions we have complete faith in the justice system,’ he added.

‘Tom has dedicated his entire adult life to law enforcement and believes firmly in the sanctity of the justice system,’ he said.

‘Since the 911 call Tom made that morning both Tom and Molly have co-operated fully with their investigation and made themselves available every step of the way.

‘They will both enter pleas of not guilty and once the events of August 2 are presented they will be exonerated.

‘They will be cooperating fully with the US justice system.’

Jason Corbett, a 39-year-old father of two from Limerick, suffered fatal head injuries on August 2 at his house near Winston- Salem i n North Carolina.

A grand jury took a day to consider the case and recommended on Monday that Ms Martens be charged with second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter.

Her father Thomas faces the same charges.

US District Attorney Frank Garry said he hoped the pair would stand trial by the end of the year. The s econd- degree murder charges carr y possible life sentences.

Ms Martens was Mr Corbett’s second-wife and is the former nanny to his two children.