Betty Broderick, convicted in 1989 killings of ex-husband and his new wife, dies aged 78
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Betty Broderick, known for the 1989 murders of her ex-husband Dan Broderick and his new wife Linda Kolkena, died at age 78 while serving a life sentence in California.
- She was moved to a medical center on April 18 after suffering a fall and subsequent infection, which led to sepsis and her death from natural causes.
- Broderick was convicted of second-degree murder in 1991 and sentenced to 32 years to life for the shootings, which occurred after a contentious divorce and custody battle.
- The fatal incident was triggered by a letter warning Broderick to stop harassing her ex-husband and his wife; she used a key taken from her daughter to enter their home and shoot both victims.
- At the time of her death, three of her children were by her bedside, with the fourth joining via FaceTime, according to her youngest son Rhett Broderick.
