NC Murder Case Makes Front Page News In Ireland; Why the case of father-daughter is such a big deal overseas

DAVIDSON COUNTY, NC (WGHP) – Molly Corbett and Tom Martens’ release is attracting new attention overseas.

In 2017, the two were convicted of the murder of Molly’s husband Jason Corbett, who was originally from Ireland.

The latest decision by the North Carolina Supreme Court to grant the couple a new case is a front-page news item in that country.

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“The Irish immediately felt a sense of attachment and shock when they killed an Irishman,” said Paul Healy, chief reporter for the Irish Daily Star.

Healy and several other Irish journalists have covered the case since Martens and his daughter were accused of killing Jason Corbett in 2015.

“The story of the tragedy for the Corbett family, he had already lost his first wife and then there was the element of the two children involved, I think that was quite a part of it,” said Suzanne Lynch, the Washington correspondent for the Irish Times.

Recent headlines following the release of Molly Corbett and Tom Martens have read “Bail Granted For Murderers” and “Murderers From Prison”.

Lynch says history in Ireland is often told through the Corbett family prism.

Jason Corbett’s sister is very vocal and a bitter defender of her brother’s memory. Reporters say she frequently sends out press releases and advocates for justice.

“It’s not that the media take sides or form an opinion on the case, it’s more the local aspect. Jason Corbett was Irish and the family here is Irish. There’s a perspective here and there is obviously a perspective in the States, ”Healy said.

Lynch says the case is “a cross-border battle and where justice is done becomes a big problem”.

She also says reports from prosecutors offering a plea have met with widespread opposition in Ireland.

As the case progresses, public support for the Corbett family in Ireland continues to grow.

“There was a lot of sympathy for the Corbett family and they are still there today. You know that many people in Ireland, especially with recent developments, feel that there is injustice here, ”Healy said.