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 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.12 In September 1985, Dan moved out of the family home and filed for divorce, sparking an acrimonious five-year legal battle.12
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.12 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.123
As the divorce dragged on, Betty's behavior became increasingly erratic and hostile.23 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.23 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.12
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.12 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.13 Betty ripped the phone from the wall and left him to die.3
Later that day, Betty turned herself in to the police.13 While she never denied the shootings, she claimed they were not premeditated.12 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.13 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.123 She is currently incarcerated at the California Institution for Women in Chino.3
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.12 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.123 The prosecution successfully argued that the murders were intentional and premeditated.13 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.13
Since her conviction, Betty has been denied parole three times - in 2010, 2011, and 2017.23 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.23
