The Tragic Legacy Of Daniel Broderick: What Happened And The 2032 Parole Decision

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Daniel T. Broderick III remains one of the most recognizable names in American true crime, a figure whose successful life and career were tragically cut short in a high-profile double murder that shocked the affluent community of La Jolla, San Diego. The case, which culminated in the conviction of his ex-wife, Betty Broderick, has been immortalized in books, movies, and the popular television series *Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story*. As of December 2025, the focus on the Broderick case has shifted from the historical crime to the continued incarceration of his killer. The latest and most crucial update for those following the case is the established timeline for Betty Broderick’s next chance at freedom, a development that keeps the memory of Daniel Broderick and his second wife, Linda Kolkena, firmly in the public consciousness.

Daniel T. Broderick III: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Daniel Thomas Broderick III was a man of exceptional intellect and ambition, known for his ability to blend two demanding professional fields. His life was a testament to the American dream until his acrimonious divorce and subsequent murder.
  • Full Name: Daniel Thomas Broderick III
  • Born: November 22, 1944
  • Place of Birth: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (raised in a large Irish Catholic family of nine children)
  • Died: November 5, 1989 (Age 44)
  • Cause of Death: Murder (shot by ex-wife Elisabeth "Betty" Broderick)
  • First Wife: Elisabeth "Betty" Anne Bisceglia (married 1969, divorced 1989)
  • Second Wife: Linda Kolkena (married April 1989, murdered November 1989)
  • Children: Kim Broderick, Lee Broderick, Daniel Broderick IV, Rhett Broderick
  • Education: Cornell University (Medical Degree), Harvard Law School (Juris Doctor)
  • Career: Prominent medical malpractice attorney and doctor in San Diego.
  • Notable Roles: President of the San Diego County Bar Association (1987).
Broderick’s professional success was built on a unique foundation: a medical degree from Cornell combined with a law degree from Harvard. This dual expertise made him an unparalleled force in the field of medical malpractice law in Southern California. He quickly rose to prominence, culminating in his election as the president of the San Diego County Bar Association in 1987, solidifying his status as a pillar of the San Diego legal community.

The Acrimonious Divorce and Escalation to Double Murder

The Brodericks’ marriage, which began in 1969, was initially a portrait of upper-class success, but it began to unravel in the mid-1980s. The central conflict stemmed from Daniel Broderick's affair with Linda Kolkena, his younger legal assistant, whom he later married. The ensuing divorce proceedings became legendarily hostile, lasting four years and involving numerous restraining orders and acts of domestic terrorism and vandalism on both sides. Betty Broderick felt betrayed and financially ruined, a sentiment she would later use to frame her defense. Daniel used his legal acumen to navigate the divorce, leaving Betty feeling powerless and victimized. The tragic climax occurred on November 5, 1989. Betty Broderick drove to Daniel and Linda Kolkena Broderick's new home in Marston Hills, San Diego. She entered the house using a key she had stolen from her daughter and proceeded to the master bedroom. She fatally shot both Daniel Broderick and Linda Kolkena as they slept. Daniel was hit once in the chest, while Linda was hit multiple times. Betty then turned herself in to the police, claiming she had not intended to kill them but only wanted to talk.

The Infamous Trial and Second-Degree Murder Conviction

The ensuing criminal case was a media sensation, dividing public opinion. Betty Broderick’s defense argued she was a victim of psychological abuse and extreme emotional distress, driven to a breaking point by years of "overt emotional terrorism" from her ex-husband. The prosecution painted her as a cold, calculated murderer seeking revenge. The first trial in 1990 resulted in a hung jury, an indication of the public's divided sympathy. A second trial in 1991, however, resulted in a conviction. Betty Broderick was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison.

The Current Status: Betty Broderick and The 2032 Parole Hearing

Decades after the shocking crime, Daniel Broderick’s legacy is intertwined with the fate of his killer. The most current and significant update for those following the case is the status of Betty Broderick’s incarceration at the California Institution for Women. Betty Broderick has been denied parole multiple times. Her first parole hearing was held in 2010, and a subsequent hearing took place in 2017. In both instances, the parole board cited her lack of remorse and failure to accept responsibility for the double murder as key reasons for the denial. The board reportedly described her as "unrepentant" and noted that her "heart is still bitter."

The Next Parole Review Date

Following the 2017 denial, the parole board set a new minimum term before she could be considered for release again. Betty Broderick is not eligible for her next parole suitability hearing until 2032. This 2032 date is the current, definitive timeline for the case. It means that the woman convicted of murdering Daniel Broderick and Linda Kolkena will remain behind bars for the foreseeable future, ensuring that the legal and ethical questions surrounding the high-profile divorce and subsequent violence continue to echo through the true crime landscape. The tragic end of Daniel Broderick’s life serves as a stark reminder of how a bitter domestic dispute can spiral into irreparable tragedy, forever linking his name to one of the most infamous crimes in San Diego history. His children, now adults, continue to navigate the complex legacy of their parents, a story that remains a cautionary tale of love, betrayal, and revenge.
daniel broderick
daniel broderick

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