DISCREPANCIES IN THE EVIDENCE

THE VISIT

Thomas Martens and his wife were staying in a bedroom of the home their daughter shared with Jason and the two children. The Martens allegedly ‘suddenly changed plans’ on August 1 to travel from their Knoxville home to North Carolina.

THE TIMELINE

An autopsy places the time of Jason’s death at 3.24am, when emergency responders arrived after Thomas Martens’ 3.05am 911 call. But it’s understood testimony and forensic evidence will show he died before the call was made.

THE BAT

Thomas Martens claimed he used a baseball bat as a weapon because he had brought it to the home as a gift for his step-grandson, Jack. But investigators suspect the bat was given to Jack the previous summer and it was stored in the garage.

THE BLOOD SPATTER

Mr Martens said he assaulted Jason after Jason had an ‘uncontrolled argument’ with Molly. But a source said a forensic expert might cast doubt on this.

THE FIGHT

Molly and Thomas Martens claim that Jason had her in a chokehold during their altercation and say they believed her life was in danger. But relatives of Jason say he was very peaceful and it was in fact Molly who was verbally abusive.

PERFECT MOTHER

Molly and her family claim that she brilliantly looked after her stepson Jack and stepdaughter Sarah. But Jason’s relatives say she drank heavily – including while driving the children – and was prone to bouts of temper and violence

THE PAST

Jason’s relatives claim Molly told them she had been an Olympic swimmer, a foster mother and a book editor – claims which were not true. They also say she told people she had been pen pals with Jason’s first wife, Mags, who died from an asthma attack when the children were small.