The Case of the Broderick Murders

Daniel Broderick III, 44, and his new wife Linda Kolkena Broderick, 28, were shot and killed by Dan's ex-wife Betty at their San Diego home on 5 November 1989. Betty was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to 32 years to life in prison.

Daniel "Dan" Broderick III was a prominent medical malpractice attorney in San Diego and had previously been married to Betty Broderick. Their divorce became increasingly bitter, with disputes involving property, finances, custody and Dan's relationship with Linda Kolkena, who had worked as his legal assistant. Dan and Linda married in April 1989. By then, Betty's behaviour toward the couple had become increasingly concerning, including unwanted visits and messages. Linda had reportedly expressed fear about Betty's behaviour before the murders. In the early hours of 5 November 1989, Betty entered Dan and Linda's home in San Diego using a key she had obtained from their daughter. She went to their bedroom while they were asleep and shot both of them with a .38-calibre revolver.

Dan and Linda were found dead in their upstairs bedroom. Linda had suffered two gunshot wounds, while Dan was shot in the chest as he apparently reached toward the telephone. Five shots were fired in total. Betty removed the telephone from the bedroom before leaving, preventing Dan from calling for assistance. She subsequently contacted family members before surrendering to police later that day.

Police quickly identified Betty as the principal suspect. She surrendered to authorities on the day of the murders and did not deny shooting Dan and Linda. Betty maintained that she had not intended to kill the couple and claimed she had entered the house intending to confront them and then take her own life. She said she fired after Linda shouted for police and Dan moved toward the telephone. Her first trial in 1990 ended in a hung jury, resulting in a mistrial. At her second trial in 1991, the jury rejected first-degree murder charges but found her guilty of two counts of second-degree murder.

Betty Broderick was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder in December 1991. On 7 February 1992, she was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison for the murders of Dan and Linda. Betty remained incarcerated until her death in May 2026 while serving her sentence.

The murders became one of the most widely publicised domestic homicide cases in the United States, with extensive coverage focusing on the couple's bitter divorce and Betty's claims of emotional abuse and manipulation.