Betty Broderick’s name became infamous due to the tragic murders of her ex-husband, Daniel Broderick III, and his second wife, Linda Kolkena. Her story, full of emotional turmoil, betrayal, and revenge, has captivated the public for years.
In this post, we’ll explore her life, from her early years to her notorious crime and current situation.
Betty Broderick Bio
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Elisabeth Anne Broderick, née Bisceglia |
Date of Birth | November 7, 1947 |
Age | 77 years old |
Place of Birth | Eastchester, New York, USA |
Spouse | Daniel Broderick III (married 1969-1985, divorced) |
Children | Kim Broderick, Lee Broderick, Daniel IV Broderick, Rhett Broderick |
Criminal Charges | Second-Degree Murder (for the murders of Daniel Broderick III and Linda Kolkena, 1989) |
Conviction | Guilty of second-degree murder |
Sentence | 32 years to life |
Parole Status | Denied parole multiple times (most recently in 2017, next hearing in 2025) |
Incarceration | California Institution for Women, Chino, California |
Estimated Net Worth | $1.5 million (as of 2025) |
Education | College of Mount Saint Vincent, Maria Regina High School, Eastchester High School |
Notable Family | Daniel Broderick III (ex-husband), Linda Kolkena (victim), Kim Broderick (daughter) |
High-Profile Event | 1989 Murders of Daniel Broderick and Linda Kolkena |
Media Attention | Subject of documentaries, books, and a true crime series |
Legacy | Public fascination with the case; discussions on mental health, divorce, and revenge |
Who Is Betty Broderick?
Betty Broderick is a woman whose life went from suburban housewife to convicted murderer. Her story is a tragic example of emotional breakdown following betrayal in marriage.
Betty’s actions, which resulted in the murders of Daniel Broderick III and Linda Kolkena, shocked the nation and sparked discussions on domestic violence, mental health, and the American legal system.
Early Life of Betty Broderick
Betty grew up in Eastchester, New York, in a large Italian-American family. She was the second of six children born to Frank and Marita Bisceglia.
Betty attended Maria Regina High School in Bronxville, New York, where she was an average student but popular among her peers.
After high school, she went on to study at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York.
Betty Broderick Age
Betty Broderick was born in 1947, making her 77 years old as of 2025. Though much of her story is about her younger years, her age today underscores the lasting impact of the crimes she committed.
Physical Appearance
Betty’s appearance changed over the years, especially after the breakdown of her marriage. During her marriage, she was often seen as attractive and well-groomed.
But after the divorce and the emotional strain of her life, her looks reflected the psychological toll she endured.
Today, Betty’s appearance is less relevant, as the focus is now on her incarceration at California Institution for Women.
Betty Broderick Net Worth
As of 2024, Betty Broderick’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million. This is mainly from her divorce settlement with Daniel and possible media rights payments.

Her financial situation was heavily impacted by the divorce and legal battles, as well as the extensive fees associated with her trial and incarceration.
Career Journey
Before becoming infamous, Betty’s career was primarily centered around being a stay-at-home mom to her four children.
She had no significant career outside of the home. After her divorce and the tragic events that followed, Betty’s life was overshadowed by her legal battles and time in prison.
Betty Broderick Family
Betty’s family played a major role in her life. She was close to her parents, Frank and Marita Bisceglia, but her relationship with her children was more complicated.
Kim, Lee, Daniel IV, and Rhett were all affected by the media frenzy and their mother’s trial. The custody battle and public fallout from her actions have shaped their lives as well.
Betty Broderick Husband
Daniel Broderick III
Betty married Daniel Broderick III in 1969, and the couple had four children together. Daniel, a successful lawyer, became the center of Betty’s emotional turmoil.
Their marriage began to crumble when Daniel started an affair with his secretary, Linda Kolkena. After the divorce in 1985, Daniel married Linda, which deeply angered Betty.
The betrayal led to her taking extreme action, resulting in the 1989 murders.
Betty Broderick Legal Case and Trial
Betty was arrested and charged with second-degree murder after the killings of Daniel and Linda. The trial was a media sensation. Initially, the case resulted in a hung jury, leading to a mistrial.
However, in the second trial, Betty was convicted of second-degree murder. She was sentenced to 32 years to life.
Her defense argued that she was emotionally disturbed due to years of domestic violence and mental health struggles, but the jury ultimately found her guilty.
Betty Broderick Parole and Incarceration
Betty is currently serving her sentence at the California Institution for Women in Chino, California. Despite her attempts for parole, she has been denied multiple times.
Her parole hearings in 2010 and 2017 were unsuccessful, and she is scheduled for another hearing in 2025.
Betty’s incarceration continues to be part of the ongoing story of her life, with many still debating whether she should be released.
Conclusion
Betty Broderick’s story is one of betrayal, revenge, and emotional breakdown. Her transformation from a suburban wife and mother to a convicted murderer continues to spark debate on marriage, divorce, and the psychological toll of emotional abuse.
While she remains incarcerated, her story endures through documentaries, books, and media attention, leaving a lasting mark on American criminal history.
FAQs
What happened to Betty Broderick after her trial?
Betty was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 32 years to life. She remains incarcerated at the California Institution for Women.
How old is Betty Broderick now?
Betty Broderick is 77 years old, born on November 7, 1947.
Is Betty Broderick still in prison?
Yes, Betty Broderick is currently serving her sentence at the California Institution for Women.
What is Betty Broderick net worth?
Betty Broderick’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $1.5 million.
Why is Betty Broderick famous?
Betty Broderick is famous for the 1989 murders of her ex-husband Daniel Broderick III and his second wife Linda Kolkena, which garnered significant media attention.

David Lee is a seasoned writer specializing in filming locations. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for cinema, David explores the stories behind iconic sites and shares unique insights that bring your favorite films and series to life.