latimes.com
Betty Broderick: The True Story Behind the Infamous Murders
Curated by
cdteliot
7 min read
18,857
15
Betty Broderick, a former suburban housewife, sparked a national debate about domestic violence after she murdered her ex-husband, Daniel T. Broderick III, and his second wife, Linda Kolkena Broderick, on November 5, 1989. The high-profile case, which resulted in Broderick's conviction for second-degree murder and a sentence of 32-years-to-life in prison, attracted extensive media attention and raised questions about the psychological effects of an acrimonious divorce.
The Early Years: Elisabeth Anne Bisceglia
discover.hubpages.co...
Elisabeth Anne Bisceglia, later known as Betty Broderick, was born on November 7, 1947 in Eastchester, New York.
1
2
3
She was one of six children born to devout Roman Catholic parents, Frank and Marita Bisceglia.1
2
4
Betty grew up in relative comfort in suburban New York, as her father was a successful building contractor and CEO of the family business.2
4
The Bisceglia family enjoyed a privileged lifestyle, with country club memberships, nice cars, and designer clothes.2
Betty attended private Catholic schools and later graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, a small Catholic women's college in Riverdale, New York, with a degree in English.1
4
4 sources
From Notre Dame Football to Marriage: The Love Story of Betty and Dan Broderick
thesun.ie
Betty Broderick met her future husband, Dan Broderick, in 1965 at a party while attending a Notre Dame football game.
1
2
Dan, a 21-year-old medical student at Cornell University, was instantly smitten with 17-year-old Betty, who was pursuing her degree at the College of Mount Saint Vincent.1
The couple married on April 12, 1969 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Tuckahoe, New York.1
2
Throughout their marriage, Betty gave birth to four children: daughters Kim (born 1970) and Lee (born 1971), and sons Daniel (born 1976) and Rhett (born 1979).1
2
3
While Dan completed his medical degree at Cornell and later attended Harvard Law School, Betty was the main provider for the family, working part-time jobs and selling Tupperware and Avon products to support them.1
2
In 1975, the Brodericks relocated to San Diego, California, where Dan began a successful career as a medical malpractice attorney.1
As Dan's income soared into the millions, the family enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, with country club memberships, a boat, and a ski condo.2
4
However, despite outward appearances, the marriage was tumultuous, plagued by incompatibility issues and Dan's long work hours.4
4 sources
The Beginning of the End: Betty and Dan Broderick's Marriage Breakdown in 1982
misruleoflaw.com
The breakdown of Betty and Dan Broderick's marriage began in 1982 when Dan hired 21-year-old Linda Kolkena as his legal assistant.
1
Betty soon suspected an affair between Dan and Linda, although Dan denied it for years.1
2
In September 1985, Dan moved out of the family home and filed for divorce, sparking an acrimonious five-year legal battle.1
2
The divorce process was marked by bitter disputes over finances, property, and custody of their four children.1
Dan, a skilled attorney, used his legal expertise to his advantage, leaving Betty feeling powerless and isolated.1
2
He sold their home without her permission, instituted a system of fines to deduct from her support payments for perceived misbehavior, and was awarded sole custody of the children.1
2
3
As the divorce dragged on, Betty's behavior became increasingly erratic and hostile.2
3
She spray-painted the interior of their former home, rammed her car into Dan's front door, left obscene messages on his answering machine, and defaced court documents.2
3
The divorce was finalized in 1989, with Betty receiving $16,000 a month in alimony plus a salary from her job at an art gallery, but no separate child support payments.4
Dan married Linda shortly after, further fueling Betty's anger and resentment.1
2
4 sources
The Murders That Ended it All
aetv.com
On November 5, 1989, seven months after Dan and Linda's wedding, Betty Broderick used a key she had taken from her daughter to enter the couple's home at 1041 Cypress Avenue in the early morning hours.
1
2
She made her way to their bedroom where she shot Linda in the head and chest, killing her instantly.1
She then turned the gun on Dan, shooting him in the chest as he apparently reached for the phone.1
3
Betty ripped the phone from the wall and left him to die.3
Later that day, Betty turned herself in to the police.1
3
While she never denied the shootings, she claimed they were not premeditated.1
2
During her trial in the fall of 1990, Betty testified that she had only wanted to confront the couple, but was startled and began firing when Linda screamed.1
3
The prosecution, however, presented a taped phone call where Betty was heard saying she wished Dan "would just die."3
Betty was ultimately convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to 32-years-to-life in prison.1
2
3
She is currently incarcerated at the California Institution for Women in Chino.3
3 sources
Trials and Conviction: The Legal Saga of Betty Broderick
Betty Broderick's first trial for the murders of her ex-husband Dan Broderick and his second wife Linda ended in a mistrial in November 1990 due to a hung jury.
1
2
Two jurors held out for manslaughter, while the other 10 voted for murder.1
In the second trial in December 1991, Betty was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to 32-years-to-life in prison, the maximum under the law.1
2
3
The prosecution successfully argued that the murders were intentional and premeditated.1
3
Key evidence included Betty's own testimony, a phone call where she stated she wished Dan "would just die," and the fact that she brought a gun with her to their home.1
3
Since her conviction, Betty has been denied parole three times - in 2010, 2011, and 2017.2
3
At her 2017 parole hearing, the board cited her lack of remorse and failure to gain insight into her crimes as reasons for the denial.3
Betty, now in her mid-70s, will not be eligible for parole again until 2032.3
She is currently incarcerated at the California Institution for Women in Chino.2
3
3 sources
Sparking Debate on Divorce, Abuse, and Legal Inequality
medium.com
The Betty Broderick case sparked intense public debate about the psychological effects of divorce, domestic abuse, and the legal system's treatment of women. During her trials, mental health experts offered conflicting assessments of Betty's state of mind. One psychologist diagnosed her with histrionic and narcissistic personality disorders, characterized by attention-seeking behaviors and an inflated sense of self-importance.
1
However, Betty's defense attorneys argued she was a battered wife driven to the breaking point by years of emotional abuse and gaslighting by her ex-husband Dan.1
Public opinion was sharply divided on whether Betty was a cold-blooded killer or a victim pushed too far. Some viewed her as a scorned woman consumed by jealousy and rage, while others saw her as an abused wife fighting back against an oppressive system.2
3
The case raised difficult questions about the impact of psychological abuse and when, if ever, it could justify murder. Betty's story also highlighted the challenges faced by women in the legal system, particularly in divorce and custody battles.2
4
Ultimately, the jury rejected Betty's claims of diminished capacity due to abuse, finding her guilty of premeditated murder.2
3
However, the complex psychological and social issues raised by the case continue to be debated to this day.4 sources
Betty Broderick's Case: A Story That Sparked Numerous Books, TV Movies, and More
amazon.com
The Betty Broderick case captured the public imagination and inspired numerous books, TV movies, and other media adaptations. At least five books were written about her story, including "Until the Twelfth of Never: The Deadly Divorce of Dan and Betty Broderick" by Bella Stumbo and "Forsaking All Others: The Real Betty Broderick Story" by Loretta Schwartz-Nobel.
1
The case was dramatized in the 1992 TV movies "A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story" and "Her Final Fury: Betty Broderick, The Last Chapter", starring Meredith Baxter.2
1
More recently, the second season of the TV series "Dirty John" in 2020 was dedicated to the story, with Amanda Peet and Christian Slater portraying Betty and Dan Broderick.3
1
Throughout the years, Betty Broderick herself participated in many interviews and public appearances to share her side of the story. She appeared twice on "The Oprah Winfrey Show", as well as on "Hard Copy", "20/20", and "Headliners and Legends".2
1
Betty was also interviewed by "Ladies Home Journal" and numerous other magazines.1
In 2020, the "Los Angeles Times" produced a podcast about the case titled "It Was Simple: The Betty Broderick Murders".1
The enduring fascination with the Broderick saga reflects the complex psychological and social issues it embodied and the way it tapped into larger cultural anxieties around marriage, divorce and domestic violence.3 sources
Dirty John' Season 2: Amanda Peet Brings Betty Broderick's Story to Life
townandcountrymag.co...
The second season of the true crime anthology series "Dirty John" focuses on the story of Betty Broderick, portrayed by Amanda Peet.
1
2
Titled "Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story", the season depicts the tumultuous marriage and divorce of Betty and Dan Broderick (played by Christian Slater) that ultimately ended in a double homicide.1
2
The show aims to provide a nuanced portrayal of the couple's relationship, from their early years to the bitter dissolution of their marriage.3
It explores the psychological toll of the divorce on Betty and the events leading up to the tragic murders of Dan and his second wife Linda.1
3
The cast also includes Tiera Skovbye and Chris Mason as the young Betty and Dan, as well as Rachel Keller as Linda Kolkena, the legal assistant who became Dan's second wife.1
2
Other notable cast members include Missi Pyle as Betty's friend Karen Kintner and Emily Bergl as Dan's sister Maggie Seats.4
"Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story" offers a dramatized yet compelling look at one of America's most notorious true crime cases, shedding light on the complex issues of marriage, divorce, and domestic violence.3
2
The series provides a platform to examine the psychological and social aspects of the Broderick saga that continue to captivate the public to this day.3
4 sources
Closing Thoughts
The Betty Broderick case remains a tragic and cautionary tale about the devastating consequences of a toxic marriage and bitter divorce. Once a nice lady from Southern California, Elizabeth Anne Bisceglia's life took a dark turn as she endured years of alleged mental abuse from her ex-husband Dan Broderick.
1
2
While the psychological toll of the relationship may have pushed Betty to the brink, her decision to commit the double murder of Dan and his new wife Linda Broderick was ultimately a dangerous mistake with irreversible consequences.1
3
The ensuing murder trial captivated the nation, with Betty's defense team arguing she was a battered wife driven to violence by Dan's emotional cruelty, while prosecutors painted her as a vindictive killer consumed by jealousy and rage.1
2
In the end, the jury found Betty guilty of second-degree murder, sentencing her to 32-years-to-life in prison.1
3
Betty Broderick's story serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of addressing domestic abuse and mental health issues before they escalate to violence. It also highlights the need for a legal system that better supports and protects women going through difficult divorces. While Betty's actions cannot be condoned, her case sheds light on the complex psychological dynamics that can push individuals to their breaking point. Ultimately, the tragedy of Betty Broderick is a haunting example of how love can turn to hate, and how lives can be forever shattered in the process.3 sources
Related
how did Betty Broderick's relationship with her children evolve after the trial
what were the main arguments presented by Betty's defense team regarding her mental state
how did the media portrayal of Betty Broderick differ from the actual events
Keep Reading
Bridget Fonda: Retired Actress
Bridget Fonda, born into a family of Hollywood royalty, made a name for herself as a talented actress in the 1980s and 1990s before retiring from the spotlight in 2002. The granddaughter of Henry Fonda, daughter of Peter Fonda, and niece of Jane Fonda, Bridget starred in numerous critically acclaimed films throughout her career, cementing her place as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
19,568
Bea Arthur: The Legendary Star of 'Maude'
Bea Arthur, born Bernice Frankel on May 13, 1922, was an acclaimed American actress, comedienne, and singer known for her sharp wit and commanding presence. She gained widespread recognition for her roles as Maude Findlay in the sitcoms *All in the Family* and *Maude*, and as Dorothy Zbornak in *The Golden Girls*, earning multiple Emmy and Tony Awards throughout her illustrious career.
2,456
How Lorena Bobbitt's Story Transformed Domestic Violence Awareness
Lorena Bobbitt gained international notoriety in 1993 when she severed her husband John Wayne Bobbitt's penis, claiming years of abuse and rape. The incident sparked a media frenzy and ignited discussions about domestic violence, leading Lorena to later establish a foundation to support abuse victims.
1,829