Elizabeth A. Broderick, the woman convicted of murdering her ex-husband and his wife in 1989, has died at the age of 78.
According to officials at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Broderick was transported from the California institution where she was incarcerated to a medical facility on April 18. She passed away the following Friday.
The medical office has listed the initial cause of death as natural, though the San Bernardino County coroner is expected to conduct an official examination.
A History of Domestic Conflict and Violence
Broderick’s conviction stemmed from the events of Nov. 5, 1989, when she shot and killed Daniel Broderick III, 44, and Linda Kolkena Broderick, 28, in their bed.
The attack followed a volatile dissolution of her marriage to Daniel, which began in 1969. After Daniel filed for divorce in 1985, the couple engaged in a four-year legal battle over the family home and custody of their children.
While Daniel was eventually awarded custody and Betty was granted visitation rights, Broderick later maintained that this bitter dispute drove her to commit the murders.
Legal Proceedings and Parole Denials
The legal path to Broderick’s incarceration was complex, involving two separate trials after the first ended in a hung jury.
In 1991, she was convicted of second-degree murder. She was sentenced to 32 years in prison, consisting of two consecutive terms of 15 years to life, plus two additional years for the illegal use of a firearm.
Broderick’s attempts to regain her freedom were thwarted during parole hearings in 2010 and 2017.
During the 2010 hearing, all four of her children provided testimony. While her son Dan described her as a good person who had “got lost along the way,” he cautioned that “releasing a lost person into society could be a dangerous mistake.”
Legacy and Next Steps
The details of the case and Broderick’s life have since been adapted into multiple books and films.
Following her death, the San Bernardino County coroner may provide further clarity on the official cause of death through their examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the murders take place?
The murders of Daniel Broderick III and Linda Kolkena Broderick occurred on Nov. 5, 1989.
What was the outcome of Betty Broderick’s trials?
The first trial ended in a hung jury. In the second trial in 1991, she was convicted of second-degree murder.
Why was parole denied in 2010?
Parole was denied after all four of her children spoke at the hearing; two children believed she should remain imprisoned, and her son Dan warned that her release could be a dangerous mistake.
How do you think the public’s perception of domestic disputes has changed since this case first gained attention?
