The Tragic Legacy Of Dan Broderick: 7 Shocking Facts About The High-Profile Murder Case

Daniel T. Broderick III remains one of the most recognizable names in true crime history, not for his successful career as a prominent medical malpractice attorney, but for his brutal double homicide at the hands of his ex-wife, Betty Broderick, on November 5, 1989. As of December 18, 2025, the case continues to captivate public interest, fueled by renewed media attention from the critically acclaimed series *Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story* and ongoing discussions about his ex-wife's future parole.

The story of Dan and Betty Broderick is a cautionary tale of a seemingly perfect life—a successful lawyer, a devoted housewife, and four children—that devolved into a bitter, protracted divorce and ultimately, a fatal act of rage. The enduring curiosity surrounding the case centers on the explosive divorce, the life of his second wife, Linda Kolkena, and the complex, fractured lives of the Broderick children who were left behind.

Daniel T. Broderick III: A Brief Biography and Profile

Daniel T. Broderick III led a life marked by significant professional achievement, which made his tragic end all the more shocking. His biography provides a stark contrast to the violent events that concluded his life.

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• Full Name: Daniel T. Broderick III
• Born: 1944 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Family Background: Raised in a large Irish Catholic family; he was one of nine children.
• Education: He was a highly educated man, holding degrees from multiple prestigious institutions. He notably earned a law degree from Cornell Law School and an M.D. from Cornell Medical School, making him a rare dual-degree professional.
• First Marriage: Married Elisabeth "Betty" Bisceglia in 1969. The couple had four children: Kim, Lee, Daniel IV (Dan Jr.), and Rhett.
• Career: A highly successful medical malpractice lawyer in San Diego, California. His professional success was a central theme in the divorce proceedings.
• Second Wife: Married Linda Kolkena in 1989, a former legal assistant at his firm.
• Date of Death: November 5, 1989 (Age 44)
• Cause of Death: Fatal gunshot wounds.

The Bitter Divorce That Led to Double Homicide

The Broderick divorce is often cited as one of the most contentious and expensive in San Diego history. It became the critical flashpoint that ultimately led to the double murder.

Dan met Linda Kolkena, a much younger woman who worked as a legal assistant, while still married to Betty. The affair began in 1983, marking the beginning of the end for the Brodericks' 16-year marriage.

The subsequent divorce proceedings lasted five years and were notoriously acrimonious. Betty felt that Dan, using his legal expertise and influence as a prominent lawyer in the San Diego legal community, manipulated the court system to his advantage.

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Dan was eventually awarded sole custody of their four children, a decision that enraged Betty and solidified her belief that she was a victim of "overt emotional terrorism" by her ex-husband.

The divorce was finalized in 1989. Dan married Linda Kolkena shortly thereafter. Betty's continuous harassment and vandalism escalated in the following months, culminating in the tragic events of November 1989.

Where Are Dan Broderick's Children Today?

The four Broderick children—Kim, Lee, Daniel IV, and Rhett—were the silent victims of the double homicide, forced to navigate the loss of their father and the imprisonment of their mother. Their lives today provide a compelling look at the long-term impact of the tragedy.

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Kim Broderick (Daughter)

Kim, the eldest daughter, has been the most vocal about the family's ordeal. She testified against her mother during the trial and later published a book titled *Betty Broderick, My Mom: The Kim Broderick Story* in 2014, offering her perspective on the events and their aftermath.

Lee Broderick (Daughter)

Lee, also known as Kathy Lee, has maintained a more private life but has publicly supported her mother's attempts at parole. She has stated that her mother should be released, believing Betty has served enough time.

Daniel Broderick IV (Son)

Daniel IV, or Dan Jr., has largely avoided the public spotlight. However, it was revealed that his father amended his will shortly before his death, disinheriting one daughter and leaving his estate to the other three children, though the specific reasons remain a private family matter.

Rhett Broderick (Son)

Rhett, the youngest son, has also spoken out about his troubled childhood and the trauma of the divorce and murders. He spent time in a facility for troubled youth after the murders. He has described his mother as having a "split personality" during the tumultuous years leading up to the crime.

Despite their fractured upbringing, the four siblings reportedly remain close today, a testament to their shared, unique experience.

The Current Status of Betty Broderick's Imprisonment

Betty Broderick was convicted in 1991 of two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Dan Broderick and Linda Kolkena. She was sentenced to two consecutive terms of 15 years to life, plus two years for the illegal use of a firearm.

She has been incarcerated at the California Institute for Women (CIW) since her second trial concluded in 1992.

Betty has been eligible for parole multiple times, first in 2010 and again in 2017. She was denied release on both occasions, with the parole board citing her lack of remorse and failure to grasp the severity of her crime.

The latest update on her sentence is that Betty Broderick will not be eligible for her next parole hearing until 2032.

The Enduring Media Fascination

The Dan Broderick case experienced a massive resurgence in public interest with the 2020 release of the true crime anthology series *Dirty John Season 2: The Betty Broderick Story*. Starring Christian Slater as Dan Broderick and Amanda Peet as Betty Broderick, the show brought the details of the messy divorce, the relentless harassment, and the final murders to a new generation of viewers.

The series, while dramatized, was largely accurate in its portrayal of the key events: the affair, Dan's legal maneuvering during the divorce, Betty's escalating rage, and the final, fatal break-in at the couple's home. The media portrayal continues to spark debates about the role of gender, power, and mental health in the collapse of the Broderick marriage.