What happened to the Broderick family after Betty Broderick's murder of her ex-husband and his wife?

The Broderick children have remained divided on their mother's punishment, with some arguing she should be released and others believing she is still a danger to society. Daughter Kim Broderick published a memoir in 2014 detailing how the siblings navigated the aftermath of the tragedy.

How did the Broderick children react to their mother's crimes?

The Broderick children testified at their mother's murder trials, with some, like daughter Lee, alleging their father was abusive, while others, like Kim, said their mother intended to commit suicide after the shootings.

What is the current status of the Broderick family?

Over 30 years later, the Broderick children have largely stayed out of the public eye, though Kim's memoir provided a rare glimpse into their experiences. Betty Broderick remains incarcerated, with her next parole hearing scheduled for 2032.

Home / Crime and Justice / Decades After Infamous Murder, Broderick Children Remain Divided

Decades After Infamous Murder, Broderick Children Remain Divided

9 Nov

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Summary

Siblings testify at mother's murder trials
Children split on mother's punishment
Daughter publishes memoir about family's tragedy

Decades After Infamous Murder, Broderick Children Remain Divided

In November 2025, it has been over 36 years since the infamous murder committed by California socialite Betty Broderick. In 1989, Broderick shot and killed her ex-husband Dan and his new wife Linda Kolkena, an act that shocked the nation.

Though the courts made their decision about Broderick's crimes in 1991, her four children - Kimberly, Lee, Dan Jr., and Rhett - continue to be divided on their mother's punishment. While some, like Rhett, believe Broderick "isn't a danger to society" and should be released, others like Dan Jr. argue that "releasing a lost person into society could be a dangerous mistake."

The Broderick family's tumultuous history has been well-documented over the years. In 2014, daughter Kim published a memoir titled "Betty Broderick, My Mom: The Kim Broderick Story," which detailed how the siblings navigated the aftermath of the tragic incident. Kim has recalled her parents' constant fighting, with her mother often becoming "weird" and "mad at Dad all the time."