What Is the True Story Behind Netflix’s A Deadly American Marriage?

Netflix’s new true crime documentary A Deadly American Marriage is shaking up audiences with its emotional, disturbing, and deeply complex retelling of a real-life murder case. At the center of the story is Jason Corbett, an Irish father of two who seemed to have found a second chance at happiness when he married Molly Martens, an American au pair. But what began as a hopeful love story ended in violence — and a courtroom battle that spanned nearly a decade.

So what really happened on that tragic night in 2015? And why is this case still drawing attention years later?

Who Were Jason Corbett and Molly Martens?

Jason Corbett was a widower raising two small children in Limerick, Ireland after his wife, Margaret Fitzpatrick, died suddenly from an asthma attack in 2006. In need of help with childcare, Jason hired Molly Martens, a 25-year-old woman from Tennessee, to work as a live-in nanny.

Has Watson Been Renewed for Season 2? CBS Confirms Return

Soon, the two began dating. Eventually, they married and relocated to North Carolina, where Jason had transferred his job. At first glance, it seemed like a fresh start — a new life in the U.S. with a new family.

But on August 2, 2015, everything fell apart.

Is Colin Jost leaving Saturday Night Live after Season 50? Here’s What We Know So Far

What Happened the Night Jason Died?

According to Molly and her father, Tom Martens, a retired FBI agent, things got violent during the early morning hours of August 2nd. Tom was visiting the home when he claimed to hear his daughter screaming. He rushed to the scene with an aluminum baseball bat and saw Jason allegedly choking Molly.

That’s when the fatal blows occurred. Jason was struck repeatedly with the bat and a brick, which Molly said she had picked up from her nightstand in desperation. Tom later told the 911 dispatcher, “He’s bleeding all over, and I, I may have killed him.”

The details were horrific. Jason was hit in the head at least 12 times, and the autopsy confirmed massive blunt force trauma. At first, it looked like a possible case of self-defense — but as investigators dug deeper, doubts began to surface.

Is Michael Che leaving Saturday Night Live after Season 50? Here’s What We Know

Why Did Police and Prosecutors Question the Story?

From the start, prosecutors believed something about the Martens’ version didn’t add up.

• The 911 call sounded rehearsed.
• Emergency responders said Jason’s body was cold, which didn’t match the timeline the Martens gave.
• Neither Molly nor Tom had any major injuries.
• Jason’s two children, Jack and Sarah, were allegedly coached to say their father was abusive.
• Toxicology reports and forensic details also raised serious questions.

Prosecutors argued that Jason was planning to leave Molly and take his kids back to Ireland. Since Molly had never formally adopted them, she risked losing the only family she had built. That, they claimed, was her motive.

What Happened in Court?

In 2017, Molly and Tom Martens were found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20–25 years in prison.

But that wasn’t the end.

Soon after the verdict, the defense filed an appeal citing jury misconduct and other trial errors. A juror had reportedly discussed the case before all evidence was presented. The trial judge rejected the motion, but the North Carolina Court of Appeals later overturned the convictions.

Then, in 2021, the North Carolina Supreme Court ordered a new trial, and both Martens were released on bond.

How Did the Case Finally End?

Rather than go through another lengthy and emotionally charged trial, Molly and Tom Martens pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in October 2023. They were sentenced to 51 to 70 months in prison, but because they had already served time, they would spend only about 7–8 more months behind bars.

In total, they served roughly four years before their final release in June 2024.

What Do Jason’s Children Say Now?

Jason’s children, Jack and Sarah, were just 10 and 8 when their father died. They returned to Ireland and were raised by their aunt, Tracey Corbett-Lynch, who has been a powerful advocate for justice ever since.

In emotional victim impact statements, both children described Molly as someone who stole their father, their childhood, and their trust. They denied the claims of abuse and said their memories had been twisted.

Molly, however, insists in the documentary that the children have been “brainwashed” and are being used by others to rewrite history.

Why Is the Netflix Documentary Making Headlines?

The Deadly American Marriage is directed by Jessica Burgess and Jenny Popplewell, the team behind American Murder: The Family Next Door. It digs into the conflicting perspectives at the heart of the case and features:

• Interviews with Molly and Tom Martens
• Statements from Jason’s family and children
• Commentary from investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys

The documentary raises the central question:
Was this really self-defense — or was it a calculated killing?

With layers of legal twists, emotional trauma, and unresolved truth, the case still leaves viewers unsettled.

Why Does This Case Still Haunt So Many?

Because it doesn’t come with clear answers. A Deadly American Marriage is not just about a crime — it’s about love, loss, family, and the blurry lines between truth and lies.

It’s a story of a man who thought he had found peace, and of children caught between two worlds. It’s also a look at how the justice system handles complicated cases with no obvious villains or heroes.

Netflix’s documentary doesn’t claim to solve the mystery. But it gives us all the pieces and asks us to decide: What really happened that night?

Now streaming on Netflix.