Convicted killer Molly Martens has given birth to a baby boy more than 11 years after the killing of Irish dad-of-two Jason Corbett. Martens, 42, welcomed her first child with partner Josh Parrott, 36, with an online appeal now raising money and organising meals for the couple following the birth.
Baby named Thomas Carter
The baby has been named Thomas Carter, according to a publicly accessible Meal Train page set up by Martens' sister-in-law Mary Reid-Martens. The development comes more than a decade after Mr Corbett, from Janesboro, Co Limerick, was killed at his home in North Carolina in August 2015.
Martens and her father Thomas Martens, a former FBI agent, were initially convicted of second-degree murder in 2017. Those convictions were later overturned and, following further legal proceedings, the pair entered pleas to voluntary manslaughter in 2023. They were released from prison in North Carolina in June 2024 after serving four years and three months behind bars. Both have maintained that they acted in self-defence.
Meal Train appeal
Attention has returned to Martens after the Meal Train page was established to support her and Mr Parrott following the arrival of their son. Mary Reid-Martens, who is married to Molly's brother Connor, wrote on the page: "Thank you for supporting Molly and Josh as they welcome Thomas Carter. No dietary restrictions."
It is unclear exactly when the baby was born, although messages posted by contributors to the page indicate his arrival was being celebrated earlier this month. Messages on the page include "Can't wait to see you and meet the baby," "Congratulations," and "Enjoy that little ball of sunshine."
The Meal Train allows supporters to arrange food deliveries or make financial contributions to Martens and Mr Parrott following the birth. The appeal has raised $490 (€437) from six contributors towards a $1,500 (€1,340) target.
Support and tributes
A photograph on the page shows a pregnant Martens with Mr Parrott, while a calendar coordinates deliveries to their home in Kingston, Tennessee. Contributors are invited to provide meals "of any type", preferably between 5pm and 6pm, with the instruction: "Text Molly to check". Donations have ranged from $40 to $100, while one supporter has arranged a Thai meal for the couple for Thursday, October 15.
News of Martens' pregnancy previously prompted a response from Mr Corbett's children, Sarah and Jack, who have spoken publicly about their childhood experiences. Sarah Corbett Lynch said in a statement in August: "Both Jack and I have spoken publicly, and before the court, about the coercive control, manipulation and abuse we experienced as children. I have spent years trying to understand and find words for what we experienced, and I can't separate this news from that history."
Sarah and Jack were children when their father was killed. Mr Corbett's family also paid tribute to him in August as they marked the 11th anniversary of his death. A message posted by the Justice for Jason campaign said he was "forever loved, forever missed and never forgotten". The tribute continued: "Eleven years have passed since Jason was cruelly taken, but time has done nothing to dim the bright light he left behind. His absence is felt deeply every single day, but his presence is still found in every milestone, every laugh, and every quiet moment."
