Chilling True Story of ‘A Deadly American Marriage’ Explored in Netflix Doc

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Audience members from various parts of the globe are finding it hard to look away from an engrossing true-crime documentary. The most recent streaming phenomenon captivating crowds is none other than “A Deadly American Marriage,” produced by Netflix. This documentary delves into the tragic murder case of Jason Corbett, a successful Irish businessman and widower, who was brutally killed in 2015 at the hands of his wife, Molly Martens, and her father, Thomas. Left behind were his two young children.

The film titled “A Deadly American Marriage” was helmed by Jessica Burgess (American Monster) and Jenny Popplewell (What Jennifer Did, American Murder: The Family Next Door). It delves into the evidence presented by the authorities and investigators, questioning whether the Martens’ actions were acts of murder or self-defense. Let us explore this gripping documentary and the chilling case, finding out where Molly Martens stands today, a full decade since Jason Corbett’s demise.

Netflix’s Chilling Look at the Death of Jason Corbett

The title “A Fatal American Union” refers to a gripping narrative that delves into the tragic events surrounding the death of Jason Corbert, a 39-year-old Irish businessman, on August 2, 2015. His wife, Molly Martens, and her father, Thomas, were the ones who took his life. Corbett initially met Martens when he employed her as an au pair for his children, Jack and Sarah, following the unexpected passing of his first wife, Margaret, due to an asthma attack in 2006. Martens journeyed from Limerick, Ireland, to care for the young children, and a romantic relationship soon blossomed between them.

In a turn of events, the family moved to Lexington, North Carolina in 2011, where Jason got married in April. He managed to transfer his work and business to the US at this time, marking a fresh start for him. However, his life was sadly cut short a few years later. On the early morning of August 2, 2015, Thomas Martens made an emergency call to the authorities, reporting that he believed he may have killed his son-in-law, Jason, after intervening in a fight between Jason and Molly. The details of this tragic night became a subject of intense debate in court.

Thomas stated in the documentary’s 911 call that he might have been responsible for causing harm, as he shared that while residing at their home, he intervened in an intense argument between the couple by using an aluminum baseball bat after hearing it escalate. Upon the arrival of the police, Jason was found unresponsive and suffering from severe head injuries. Both Thomas and Molly confessed to law enforcement officials on the scene that they acted in self-defense, claiming it was a consequence of a domestic dispute during which they fatally attacked Jason with a brick and a bat.

In this scenario, Molly claimed that Jason had a drinking problem excessively, and Thomas asserted that he witnessed his daughter being choked by her spouse in their bed. This led Molly to attempt striking him forcefully with a paving stone, while Thomas retaliated by hitting him repeatedly with a bat after an enraged Jason attacked him. On January 5, 2016, both Molly and Thomas were charged with second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter and granted bail bonds of $200,000 each as they awaited their trial, which commenced on July 17, 2017.

What Happened to Molly Martens & Where Is She Now?

Based on the autopsy report, it was determined that Jason Corbett died due to severe head trauma and extensive skull fractures caused by blunt force. Neither Molly nor Thomas Martens ever disputed their actions resulted in Corbett’s death; they claimed it was done in self-defense. In August 2017, they were both convicted of second-degree murder and received sentences ranging from 20 to 25 years in prison. However, they were granted a retrial in 2021 because statements made by Corbett’s children during the initial trial were deemed inadmissible.

In a medical assessment, Jack and Sarah alleged that their father was physically abusive towards Molly and would frequently become enraged at her. However, they later admitted that Molly instructed them on what to say during their interviews. Jack asserted that his stepmother urged him to fabricate tales about his father’s abuse, warning him that if they didn’t lie, they would never be allowed to see her again. Prior to the second trial, both Thomas and Molly reached plea agreements. Molly pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, while Thomas admitted guilt for the same charge.

On June 6, 2024, both Martens were granted credit for their time served and released from prison. In contrast, Molly, who was released on parole on June 6, 2025, has returned to Knoxville, Tennessee, to be near her family and has maintained a low profile since. The documentary “A Deadly American Marriage” offers an in-depth look at the case from various angles, offering viewers a unique perspective of those closely involved, including Molly, Thomas (Jason’s sibling), Jason’s children, as well as the investigators and prosecutors.

It came to light that Molly is legally barred from reaching out to Jack and Sarah, who relocated to Ireland to stay with their aunt following their father’s demise. The circumstances surrounding the case and the Martens’ intentions remain unclear, as Jack, in his victim impact statement, referred to his former stepmother as a “monster.” This woman, it seems, had manipulated her earlier testimony to evade justice for the cold-blooded murder of their father. In May 2025, Molly’s brother Connor provided an update on Molly (who is reportedly completing her college degree) to a news station in Knoxville.

She’s currently navigating a busy phase of her life, she’s still actively working, and there has been increased attention from the media which includes some harassment. This has led to a renewed struggle with past traumas, but overall, I believe she is very thankful and managing quite well, given all the circumstances.

Stream A Deadly American Marriage on Netflix

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2025-05-13 02:51