The stepmother of two Irish children returned to their Limerick relatives by a US judge is preparing to launch a fresh legal battle for custody.
Molly Martens, whose 39-year-old husband Jason Corbett was found fatally injured at their North Carolina home last month, is seeking the return of 10-year-old Jack Corbett and his sister Sarah (8).
The 32-year-old and her father Thomas Martens, a former FBI agent, are both 'persons of interest' in Mr Corbett’s death.
The children, who were born to Mr Corbett and his late first wife Mags Fitzpatrick, were placed in the custody of their aunt Tracey Lynch by Judge April Wood at Lexington District Court almost two weeks ago.
The youngsters, who had lived in the US for the past four years, were present last week when their father was buried alongside their mother in a Limerick cemetery.
Ms Martens, who developed a relationship with Mr Corbett after working as a nanny to the children, yesterday revealed she had not spoken to the children since they flew to Ireland.
“I have not spoken to them since my visitation with them under which we were all under the impression that it was a visitation and not a goodbye,” the Tennessee native told Newstalk radio yesterday.
Her uncle Mike Earnest, who confirmed Ms Martens’ plans to appeal Judge Wood’s decision, said the final courthouse meeting between the stepmother and children had been “the most heart-wrenching scene” he had ever seen.
“That was the last time Molly saw the children,” he said.
Mr Earnest also claimed that Mr Corbett had taken “several steps” towards getting US citizenship for himself and the siblings, but that the father had also wanted to retain his Irish citizenship.
Insisting that Ms Martens was the children’s mother, he added: “Motherhood is earned. She is a wonderful mother. She cares unbelievably for these children; the sweetest, brightest, most wonderful kids.”
Meanwhile, Ms Martens has been conducting a Facebook campaign to remain in touch with the children, publishing photographs and sending messages.
Yesterday she posted a message asking if Sarah remembered “peeling the carrot for the mama and baby rabbits in the back woods?” before adding: “Jack, I'm sure you recall passing the football. And it was at our home, in your father's words, our ‘home sweet home’.
"I miss seeing you, holding you, hearing you, and watching you grow. I am certain you have changed so much already in the two weeks I haven't heard from you. I am also certain that you have a strong foundation of character and mind. You will remember with truth of your lives and have faith in my love for you.”
She also posted pictures of the children on a day out just days before their father's death as well as photos of Jack’s baseball team and a banner bearing messages from his teammates.
