Jason Corbett’s children dedicate the balloon release ceremony to their father before the hearing

The ceremony was organized by Sarah, 17, and Jack, 19, Corbett-Lynch in support of all charities and agencies in North Carolina that serve victims of domestic violence – and took place just 24 hours before Tom, 73, and Molly ( 40) Martens is scheduled to appear in Davidson County Superior Court.

Both the father and daughter are due to appear before Judge David Hall for a retrial today after their original 2017 conviction for second-degree murder of Mr. Corbett was overturned by the North Carolina Supreme Court two years ago.

Mr Corbett was beaten to death in the bedroom of his North Carolina home in August 2015 by his second American wife and his father-in-law.

Both insisted they had acted in self-defense.

However, they were found completely unharmed at the scene – and prosecutors later claimed that Mr Corbett had been drugged, attacked and beaten in bed while he slept, even after he was dead, and that the father and daughter then delayed calling 911 , to ensure that he could not be injured. Saved.

On the eve of the trial, Sarah Corbett-Lynch organized a special balloon release ceremony at the former MPS plant (now WestRock), where her father was a manager.

A special memorial, decorated with an Irish flag, has been created on the site of the factory for the popular Limerickman.

The balloon release ceremony drew a crowd of nearly 80 people, including extended members of the Corbett family, their Irish supporters and friends, Mr. Corbett’s former North Carolina colleagues and North Carolina police, court officials and even members of the 2017 Davidson County jury convicted Tom and Molly Martens of his second-degree murder.

Sarah, who organized the ceremony, told those in attendance that she came up with the idea of ​​a special balloon release because her father gave her and her brother balloons to release every year on the anniversary of their mother, Margaret “Mags” Corbett’s death.

She died of an asthma attack in 2006, leaving Mr Corbett with two children aged two and under.

“My balloon going up here today is for my dad, Jason Corbett,” Sarah said.

“We love and miss you every day. This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in North Carolina. We are here today to support victims of domestic violence, regardless of their age or gender.

“I think we can send a strong message that domestic violence will not be tolerated in our communities. Domestic violence is unfortunately present in all of our communities.”

“Sometimes we don’t speak up out of fear or love – and sometimes we just want to forget the suffering.”

“We are releasing these balloons into the sky today as a symbol of hope and remembering everyone affected by domestic violence around the world.”

Jason Corbett’s sister Tracey Corbett-Lynch, who has led a campaign for justice for her brother, read a poem written especially for the occasion.

Mr. Corbett’s son, Jack, gave special credit to his sister for organizing the event in Lexington.

“She (Sarah) is an inspiration to so many people in our community back home,” he said.

At just 17 years old, Sarah is already an accomplished author, musician, dancer and actress.

“Domestic violence affects millions of people around the world. It can happen to anyone – regardless of age, gender or sexuality,” Jack said.

“As many of you may know, I am the son of Jason Corbett, who lost his life due to an act of domestic violence in 2015.”

“There is a stigma in today’s society that men cannot suffer from domestic violence or abuse. I stand here before you today as a survivor – it can happen to anyone.”

“My family and I are here today to support everyone and help raise awareness for everyone who has suffered or is suffering from domestic violence.”

“We stand with you and will continue to stand with you. This problem affects all of us as a society, regardless of where we live or where we come from.”