Betty Broderick Net Worth: Bio, Husband, and a Murder Case
Betty Broderick is a notorious figure in American true‑crime history—once a respected mother and real‑estate broker, later convicted for one of the most chilling murder cases of the late 20th century. In 1989, she fatally shot her ex‑husband, Daniel Broderick III, and his new wife, Linda, sparking national attention. Despite previously having substantial financial resources, her current net worth is effectively zero. This article explores her background, marriage, downfall, and the financial collapse that followed.
Early Life & Education
Born Elisabeth Anne Bisceglia on November 7, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, Betty was raised in Bronxville in a strict, middle‑class, Roman Catholic household as one of six children. She attended Catholic schools, later graduating from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx with a degree in early childhood education and a minor in English.
Marriage to Daniel Broderick III
Betty met Daniel T. Broderick III at the University of Notre Dame in 1965. He was studying medicine and later law; she was 17 and he was a senior. They married on April 12, 1969, and had four children: daughters Kim (1970) and Lee (1971), and sons Daniel IV (1976) and Rhett (1979). A fifth child died shortly after birth.
Daniel emerged as a successful medical malpractice attorney, earning over $1 million per year by the mid‑1980s. After moving to La Jolla, California, they enjoyed an affluent lifestyle—luxury homes, travel, and extravagant purchases.
Marriage Breakdown & Financial Fallout
Starting in the early 1980s, Betty accused Daniel of having an affair with his legal assistant, Linda Kolkena. They separated in 1985. Financially, Betty demanded $30,000 per month in alimony, but Daniel countered with $7,300. A court eventually settled on $12,500 monthly, taxable—substantially lower than Betty’s stated costs. She protested the reduction, citing extravagant living expenses she felt she’d earned.
Despite receiving a monthly income and a divorce settlement—including cash and a house—Betty quickly deplete her resources.
The Murder Case
On November 5, 1989, Betty went to Daniel’s home, entered with a key, and shot Daniel and Linda as they slept. She turned herself in immediately after, claiming emotional desperation and loss of identity after the divorce.
The first trial in 1990 ended in a mistrial (hung jury). In a 1991 retrial, she was convicted on two counts of second‑degree murder and sentenced to 32‑to‑life in prison, plus firearm enhancements. Her maximum sentence became 34‑to‑life.
Prison Sentence & Parole Status
Betty has been incarcerated since November 1989 at the California Institution for Women in Chino. Her first parole hearing in 2010 was denied due to her lack of remorse. Subsequent denials followed in 2011 and 2017. She will be eligible next in 2032, at the age of 84.
Net Worth at Conviction vs. Today
- Mid‑1980s Wealth: Betty and Daniel’s combined net worth was over $1.5 million, with Daniel’s private annual income over $1 million. She walked away with approximately $28,000 in settlement plus monthly support.
- At Time of Murder: Despite provisions, her lifestyle outpaced her finances; she spent lavishly on jewelry, clothing, and other living expenses .
- Present Net Worth: After incarceration, prison earnings, and no assets, her current net worth is effectively zero, with no income and minimal assets .
Height & Physical Details
Betty stood about 5 ft 3 in tall and weighed approximately 150 lbs at the time of her trial . She has blonde hair and blue eyes.
Legacy & Cultural Impact
Betty’s case became emblematic of domestic violence and divorce bitterness. It earned immense media coverage, spawning:
- Two‑part TV movie A Woman Scorned (1992) starring Meredith Baxter
- A widely discussed miniseries adaptation on Dirty John in 2020
- Multiple true‑crime documentaries, podcasts, and dozens of books.
Her story fueled public debates on gender, justice, and the emotional tolls of marital breakdowns.
Family & Children
Their four adult children—Kim, Lee, Daniel IV, and Rhett—have largely remained out of the spotlight but maintain a unified front. Some have expressed support for prison release, while others, like Lee and Kim, opposed it.
The estate, estimated between $60,000 and $1.6 million at Daniel’s death, was bequeathed to three of the children—Lee was excluded—while Betty received nothing.
Psychological & Legal Observations
Betty’s behavior during the divorce—harassing calls, vandalism, hit-and-run—was documented and used to frame her mental state in court. Psychiatrists during the trial described her as emotionally unstable, triggered by abandonment and insult .
Psychological analyses highlighted that the unusually severe financial and emotional stress contributed to her homicidal breakdown during and after the divorce.
Fate and Future Parole
Betty has been repeatedly denied parole due to lack of remorse and perceived risk. The parole board cited her as still emotionally “lost” and dangerous. Her next scheduled hearing in 2032 may be her last, but significant changes in her stance will be required .
Final Thoughts
Betty Broderick’s life arc—from supportive spouse and affluent mother to a convicted murderer with no financial estate—serves as a harrowing illustration of how emotional, financial, and mental collapse can lead to tragedy. With a fully depleted net worth, a life sentence, and historical notoriety, her story acts as both cautionary tale and societal case study.
FAQ
Q: What is Betty Broderick’s net worth today?
A: As of her current incarceration, her net worth is effectively zero.
Q: How much did she receive in her divorce settlement?
A: Approximately $28,000 in total plus monthly alimony before support ceased.
Q: How long is her prison sentence?
A: She received 32‑to‑life for two counts of second‑degree murder, plus firearm enhancement.
Q: When is she eligible for parole?
A: She was denied parole in 2017; her next eligibility is in 2032.
Q: What cultural works cover her story?
A: Television films, a Dirty John miniseries, true‑crime books, and podcasts have all retold her story.
