Martel family speaks out about daughter and Jared Remy

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The parents of the woman Jared Remy is accused of murdering are hoping other people will learn from their tragedy.

Jennifer Martel's parents opened up for the first time since she was fatally stabbed in her Waltham home last August. Her longtime boyfriend is charged with her murder.

In a statement to FOX 25, the Martel family says sharing Jennifer's story helps them honor her memory.

"Families should look for such things as controlling behavior, constant phone calls, or texting, and keeping the person away from family and friends," reads the statement in-part. "We have learned in the worst possible way that these could be signs of an abusive relationship and that there are domestic violence shelters and counselors who can help."

The statement follows an interview the Martel family did with the Boston Globe. In the interview, they claim Remy was extremely controlling and allegedly told Jennifer when to sleep and eat. He would also reportedly not allow her out of his sight.

Jennifer's parents say she tried to downplay their concerns about him. Patty, Jennifer's mother, also told the newspaper that Remy ridiculed her family, calling them trailer trash and refusing to let them meet his parents. Remy's father is broadcasting legend Jerry Remy.

According to her parents, Jennifer talked about leaving Remy, but was worried about how it would impact their young daughter. She sent a text to her parents saying she was "planning her escape" just days before she was murdered.

Jennifer's daughter is now living with her brother and his wife. Remy is expected to stand trial for her murder in October.

The Martel family also told the Globe they are angry at the court system and Middlesex prosecutors who did not hold Remy last summer even though he had 20 prior criminal cases and had terrorized at least five different girlfriends. They are mostly forgiving of Remy's family, but say knowing their son's past, they should have taken more caution.

To read more: bostonglobe.com

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