The children of Jason Corbett have been placed under the guardianship of Jasons' sister, their aunt Tracey, and her husband David Lynch.

The family hope to be able to bring them back to Ireland by next Saturday, sources close to the family have said.

The 39-year-old Limerick native died in a violent incident at his home in the US last week.

His children Jack and Sarah had been cared for by their stepmother Molly Martens since it happened, and she has separately applied for custody of the children, and is looking to adopt them.

She is one of the main suspects in the case, as police say Mr Corbett's father-in-law is also a person of interest.

The children's biological mother, Mags Fitzpatrick, died following an asthma attack in 2006.

Mr Corbett's body was flown home from the United States last week, and he will be buried next to his first wife.

Dave Lynch, Jason's brother-in-law and close friend, has said the family "have grave concerns for the health and well being of these children".

Dave and his wife Tracey had been named in Mr Corbett's will as guardians for the children.

Irish Daily Mail journalist Catherine Fegan is in North Carolina.

She told Newstalk Breakfast a hearing is still planned for tomorrow in relation to the custody hearing from their stepmother.