Betty Broderick's case is a polarizing one, with some perceiving her as a revenge-driven woman, while others view her as a victim of a bitter divorce. Betty was married to Daniel Broderick for two decades, and during that time, the couple had four children and established their residence in San Diego, California. Initially, Betty was the family's sole breadwinner, paying for Daniel's college education. However, once he earned degrees in medicine and law and established his own business, Betty could quit her job and become a full-time homemaker. In 1983, Daniel hired Linda Kolkena, a 21-year-old receptionist, at his medical practice. Betty's suspicions were aroused when she began to suspect that an affair was going on between the two. The tension between the couple escalated, and in 1985, Daniel moved out of their home and into a bachelor pad. Daniel ultimately obtained custody of their children after Betty left them on his doorstep. He also admitted to having an affair with Linda, which began shortly after she started working for him. This was a painful revelation for Betty, who had been completely devoted to her husband, given birth to their four children, and had been the primary provider for their family for many years. The divorce proceedings were lengthy and tumultuous, with the finalization occurring in 1989. Later that year, just after what would have been Betty and Daniel's 20th wedding anniversary, Daniel married Linda. On the night of November 5, 1989, Betty snuck into Daniel and Linda's home armed with a Smith & Wesson revolver and killed them both. Linda died instantly, but Daniel was not as fortunate. Betty confessed that Daniel's last words were, "Okay, you shot me. I'm dead." Betty turned herself into the authorities immediately and was sentenced to two consecutive terms of 15 years to life after being found guilty of second-degree murder.
