LEXINGTON, N.C. — A little more than two years after Jason Corbett was killed in his Wallburg home in northern Davidson County, the jury has reached a verdict.
Molly Corbett and Thomas Martens were found guilty of second-degree murder in Jason Corbett’s death. The conviction means the jury unanimously believed the killing was done in malice.
Moments after the verdict was announced, Molly broke out crying while Martens remained quiet. Before being taken into custody, Molly turned to her mother and said she’s “really sorry.”
They could face 14 years to life in prison.
The two claimed self-defense during the trial.
Testimony and 911 calls show Martens came to his daughter’s defense the night of Aug. 3, 2015, when he says he saw Jason choking Molly. He says he intervened with a baseball bat.
Testimony from doctors at the scene shows Corbett was hit in the head 10 times with a baseball bat and cement brick. His autopsy shows he died from blunt force trauma to the head.
"We will never get over Jason's death. He was beaten and battered in his own home." -Tracey #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
"August the 2nd will be imprinted in our minds for all the wrong reasons," -Tracey #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
"Jason was my favorite brother. We were so proud of him. He was charismatic," -Tracey #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
Jason's sister Tracey Lynch now steps forward to talk about the impact of #JasonCorbett's death on the family. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
State recommends a minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum of 25 years. #CorbettTrial #JasonCorbett
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
Molly weeps listening to State's Attorney talking about Jason's kids. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
"This jury has determined that Jason didn't have to die. That his kids did not deserve to lose their father." -States Attorney #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
States attorney, "There is no joy or pride in the verdict of this trial. Just grief… just grief." His voice shakes. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
State mentions no prior record for the two defendants. State's attorney starts talking about recommendation, gets chocked up.
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
Judge enters room, state ready to proceed with sentencing in #CorbettTrial. State recommends sentencing level one.
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
#BREAKING Jury finds Thomas Martens and Molly Corbett guilty of second degree murder. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
#corbetttrial is now trending in Irelandhttps://t.co/DMeKYlgU8P pic.twitter.com/M97CeaaVYL
— Trendsmap Ireland (@TrendsIreland) August 9, 2017
Molly turned to her mom and said "I'm really sorry mom, I wish they'd just kill me." #CorbettTrial #JasonCorbett @myfox8
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
Molly turns to her mother, she says she's "Really sorry." Couldn't make out the second part. Tom and Molly cuffed, taken away. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
15 minute break. Jurors leave the room, I could hear one crying. Very emotional decision. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
Each of 12 jurors officially confirm their verdict of second degree murder for both Molly Corbett and Thomas Martens. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
A conviction of second degree murder means this jury unanimously believed the killing of #JasonCorbett was done in malice. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
Family and friends of Tom and Molly shake their heads, sob. Very emotional courtroom. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
Clerk now going to each juror, confirming the verdict. Some of the jurors are chocked up confirming guilty verdict. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
Molly weeping keeps her head down, Thomas Martens remains silent. They may face 14 years to life in prison. #CorbettTrial #JasonCorbett
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
Molly breaks out crying in the courtroom. Corbett family holds each other weeping. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
Jury now entering courtroom. You can hear a pin drop here, everyone holding breath. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
Jury previously came out for break saying "it was a stressful situation." They will be let in now. #CorbettTrial
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
Everyone rushes into the courtroom. States attorney cautions families not to show reaction regardless of outcome. #CorbettTrial @myfox8
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017
#BREAKING We have a verdict. #CorbettTrial #JasonCorbett
— Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) August 9, 2017