Betty Broderick, who died on May 8 at the age of 78, spent more than 30 years in prison for killing her ex-husband, Dan Broderick, and his new wife, Linda Kolkena, in 1989.
Betty and Dan’s Marriage
Betty and Dan Broderick met in the 1960s and later married while Dan pursued his education and career. The couple eventually settled in San Diego, where Dan became a successful medical malpractice attorney. Betty stayed home to raise their four children.
Over time, their marriage became troubled. Betty later claimed Dan controlled finances and was emotionally distant. Their relationship worsened in the early 1980s after Dan began working closely with Linda Kolkena, a legal assistant Betty believed he was having an affair with.
Divorce and Growing Conflict
Dan denied the affair for years, but eventually left Betty and filed for divorce in 1985. The divorce became highly bitter, involving custody disputes, financial battles, and repeated arguments.
Betty later claimed she felt powerless during the legal fight because of Dan’s influence in the legal community. Their daughter also described frequent fights and tension inside the home.
The 1989 Killings
On Nov. 5, 1989, Betty went to Dan and Linda’s home and shot them while they were in bed. Both died from the attack.
She was later convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to prison, where she remained until her death.
Life in Prison
Betty spent the rest of her life behind bars after multiple parole denials. Her case continued to draw public attention for decades and later inspired books, documentaries, and TV dramatizations focused on the toxic divorce and deadly outcome.
