Thomas “Tom” Martens is a retired FBI agent, but he’s also responsible for the 2015 death of Jason Corbett, as is his daughter Molly Martens. Here’s where he is now following the release of Netflix’s A Deadly American Family.
The new true crime documentary takes a closer look at the shocking case that unfolded in North Carolina, when Irish father-of-two Jason Corbett was found beaten to death in his bedroom.
Tom and Molly Martens, from the US, both admitted to killing Jason, claiming they acted in self-defense after an alleged domestic dispute – but investigators quickly suspected otherwise.
With extensive interviews, crime scene photos, and emotional testimonies from Jason’s family members – including his children, Jack and Sarah – A Deadly American Family paints a far more complex and unsettling picture.
Where is Thomas “Tom” Martens now?
Since leaving Caldwell Correctional Centre in Lenoir in June 2024, Tom Martens is now living in Knoxville, Tennessee, with his wife, Sharon Martens. As of May 2025, he is under probation supervision, which is set to end 13 months after his release.
Davidson County District Attorney, Alan Martin, who appears in the Netflix documentary, told the Irish Examiner upon Tom’s release that although the father and daughter are living in the same state, they’re not permitted to live with each other during their probation.
“It’s a standard requirement that co-defendants who are under a supervision order not reside with each other,” he explained. “It’s not a legal requirement to live in separate states.”
They’re also not allowed to contact Sarah and Jack Corbett-Lynch, who now live in Ireland with Jack’s sister, Tracey, her husband, David, and their extended family.
Tom Martens is a retired FBI agent, having spent the first half of his year in the criminal department and the second in counterintelligence. This raised concerns for investigators following Jason’s death.
Alan Martin says, “He has been schooled in and has schooled others on the art of interrogation,” before adding, “I see Tom attempting to control the narrative and present things the way he wants to present them.”
Tom was originally sentenced to between 20-25 years in prison for second-degree murder, but he and his daughter Molly successfully appealed the conviction. They entered a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter, meaning their sentence was reduced to 51-74 months.
Could he go back to prison?
NetflixDespite public opinion leaning more towards the belief Jason was murdered rather than a victim of manslaughter, the case has already been through the court process. Since Tom and Molly have served their time, it’s almost certain that they won’t be going to prison again for this crime.
As Ben Michael, Attorney, M & A Criminal Defense Attorneys, told Dexerto, “As far as whether or not Molly and Thomas Martens are guilty, they have been found that way in the eyes of the law.
“The court found them both guilty of voluntary manslaughter – Thomas pleaded guilty and Molly pleaded no contest. They both claimed that they acted in self-defense.
“Both spent time in prison and were released last year, so unless they break the terms of their release, or new evidence is found that takes the case back to the courts, they will probably not be spending any more time in prison.”
What Jason Corbett’s family have said about Tom’s release
NetflixFollowing Tom and Molly’s release from prison, the Corbett-Lynch family said in a statement to RTÉ News, “After a nine-year battle for justice, we are deeply disappointed by the impending release of Tom and Molly Martens.
“Jason was drugged and they beat him with a brick and a baseball bat while he was unable to defend himself. Molly and Tom Martens left the room without a mark on either of them.
“The heinous actions of Tom and Molly Martens not only took Jason’s life in a malevolent, cruel, and vicious manner but they also set about to tarnish his reputation and use his children in a self-serving attempt to evade accountability.
“Despite the gravity of their crime and the immense loss they inflicted, they will be freed today after serving just four years and three months.”
“As Jason’s family, we vow to tirelessly uphold his honourable legacy and seek justice to preserve his memory,” they continued.
“Amidst this sombre occasion, we draw solace from witnessing Jack and Sarah, the remarkable children Jason left behind, blossom into exceptional individuals he would undoubtedly be proud of.
“Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the unwavering support from the communities of Davidson County in North Carolina and Limerick in Ireland, who stood by our side throughout this harrowing ordeal that no family should endure.
“We remain resolute in our pursuit of truth, justice, and the protection of Jason’s cherished memory.”
Now, the family have spoken out about why they decided to take part in A Deadly American Marriage, saying the Netflix documentary has given them the opportunity to warn others about the Martens family.
Nuala Galvin, Jason’s cousin, told the Irish Independent, “It was important that the public, particularly in the US, know precisely the kind of persons Molly and Tom are.
“Jason should have been able to trust his second wife and father-in-law. Instead, they betrayed him in the most appalling manner and took his life in the most violent and savage of circumstances.
“Their cruelty robbed a good man of his life and left his two children orphaned. Molly and Tom then tried to assassinate Jason’s good name in a bid to evade justice for his killing.
“Their lies attempted to damage the name of a devoted son, father, and brother, a man whose entire life was dominated by hard work, decency, and love.
“The Netflix interviews were given by Jason’s family to show the truth of what was done to him. Molly and Tom may have twisted the facts in the courts, but they will now be confronted by the full truth of their horrific actions in the court of public opinion.”
A Deadly American Marriage is streaming on Netflix now. For more true crime news, find out whether Natalia Grace’s age was restored, how to watch Louis Theroux’s The Settlers, and what happened to the Oklahoma City bomber.
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