THE WIDOW and father-in-law of tragic Irishman Jason Corbett have been granted bail after being charged with second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter.
Molly Martens, 32, and her 65-year-old father Thomas Martens were indicted by a grand jury on the charges on Monday.
They had previously been named as “persons of interest” in the death of 39-year-old Limerick native Jason Corbett, who died in the couple’s North Carolina home on August 2.
The Martens’ attorney confirmed to local reporters in Davidson County last night that they had each been granted bail of $200,000 after appearing before the court in connection with Mr Corbett’s death.
The conditions of their bail specify that they must surrender their passports and cease all contact with Mr Corbett’s immediate family - especially his children Jack, 10, and Sarah, 8.
Both Ms Martens and her father will appear before a Davidson court later this year for a trial on their charges of second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter.
Jason Corbett (left), pictured with his twin brother Wayne, died in August. Picture: John CorbettMr Corbett was found unresponsive in his home after a call was made to emergency services in the early hours of August 2.
He suffered head injuries in circumstances that remain unclear – but the Martens were named as persons of interest by local police.
Mr Corbett had been living with his wife in her hometown in North Carolina for the past number of years with his children from his first marriage.
Ms Martens was hired by Mr Corbett as a nanny for the children in Janesboro, Co. Limerick, after his wife Mags passed away suddenly.
The pair married and moved to North Carolina a number of years ago, where they had lived since.
In the weeks following Mr Corbett’s death, Ms Martens was embroiled in a bitter custody battle with Mr Corbett’s sister and brother-in-law over the care of Jack and Sarah.
A judge ruled in favour of Tracey and David Lynch – and dismissed an appeal lodged by Ms Martens in December.
