Linda Kolkena’s story is a tragic tale of love and devastating consequences. She became the second wife of prominent attorney Dan Broderick. Their relationship ended in tragedy when Dan’s ex-wife, Betty Broderick, murdered them both in 1989.
Kolkena’s life was cut short, leaving behind a complex legacy. Her story serves as a stark reminder of how quickly relationships can unravel. It also highlights the potential for violence in bitter divorces.
Key Takeaways
- Linda Kolkena was a 21-year-old flight attendant when she started dating the married Dan Broderick, who was a successful lawyer earning over $1 million per year.
- Kolkena was hired by Broderick as a legal assistant, despite her lack of secretarial and legal skills.
- The affair between Kolkena and Broderick led to a bitter divorce from his first wife, Betty Broderick, who was known for her violent outbursts.
- In 1989, Betty Broderick murdered both Dan Broderick and Linda Kolkena in their home, marking a tragic end to their tumultuous relationship.
- Kolkena’s life and legacy have been the subject of numerous true crime documentaries and dramatizations, shining a light on the complexities of the case.
The Tragic Love Story of Linda Kolkena
Linda Kolkena’s life ended at 28, but her story is unforgettable. Born in 1961 in Salt Lake City, she started as a flight attendant. Later, she moved to San Diego and became a receptionist at Dan Broderick’s law firm.
From Flight Attendant to Legal Assistant
Kolkena’s move to San Diego changed her life forever. There, she met Dan Broderick, a successful attorney 17 years older. In 1983, 21-year-old Kolkena began a relationship with the married Broderick.
Meeting Dan Broderick: The Beginning of an Affair
Kolkena and Broderick’s relationship grew despite challenges. They married in April 1989, just six months before their deaths. Kolkena had worried about their safety and asked Broderick to wear a bulletproof vest.
“Linda Kolkena was 21 years old when she met Dan Broderick, and he was 38 years old. Their affair was the catalyst that led to the breakdown of Dan’s marriage to his wife, Betty.”
The Kolkena-Broderick story fascinated the public. It also warned about the dangers of infidelity and marital breakdown. Kolkena’s short life continues to inspire others.
Her legacy promotes hope and awareness for women’s health. It also supports cancer advocacy efforts worldwide.
Dan Broderick’s Divorce from Betty Broderick
Dan and Betty Broderick’s divorce was a bitter, high-profile legal battle lasting nearly five years. Betty’s rage over Dan’s affair with linda kolkena fueled her actions. This led to a series of escalating confrontations between the couple.
Betty’s Rage and Jealousy
Betty’s anger boiled over as Dan’s relationship with linda kolkena grew deeper. She broke into their shared home and left angry messages on the answering machine. In a fit of rage, she even crashed her car into the front door.
Linda kolkena, a former flight attendant turned legal assistant, had won Dan’s heart. Betty couldn’t accept this new reality, which fueled her resentment and destructive behavior.
The Bitter Custody Battle
The couple also fought fiercely over custody of their four children. Dan eventually gained custody, deepening Betty’s feelings of loss and betrayal. This drawn-out legal conflict put immense strain on the entire family.
“Dan Broderick predicted that nothing could stop Betty from killing him if she was determined to do so.”
The Broderick divorce was a highly publicized and acrimonious process. Betty’s jealousy over Dan’s affair with linda kolkena led to extreme actions. She broke into their home, left angry messages, and crashed her car into the door.
linda kolkena: Dan Broderick’s New Bride
linda kolkena, a breast cancer advocate and survivor, married Dan Broderick in 1988. Their love story blossomed amid Dan’s bitter divorce from Betty. linda kolkena became a women’s health activist and cancer awareness champion.
Dan proposed to linda kolkena in 1988. They wed in April 1989, shortly after Dan’s divorce finalized. Linda was thrilled but wary of potential violence from Betty.
Dan hired security for the wedding as a precaution. The ceremony and Caribbean honeymoon went smoothly without any incidents.
The couple’s resilience and hope inspired many. Linda’s courage and dedication to her passions shone through the drama. Her legacy as an advocate and role model for women endures.
“I’m not going to let the past define me. I’m going to focus on the future and make the most of every day.” – Linda Kolkena Broderick
The Fateful Night of November 5, 1989
In 1989, a tragic event changed Linda Kolkena and Dan Broderick’s lives forever. Linda Kolkena, a breast cancer advocate, had just married Dan Broderick, a San Diego attorney. Their happiness was cut short by Dan’s ex-wife, Betty Broderick.
Betty’s Deadly Revenge
Betty Broderick, fueled by anger, used a stolen key to enter Dan and Linda’s home. She carried a .38-caliber revolver into their bedroom. In a tragic turn of events, Betty shot and killed both Linda and Dan.
This violent act had far-reaching consequences. It forever changed the Broderick family and the community around them.
The Aftermath and Trials
The murders led to a highly publicized trial. Betty Broderick was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder. She received two consecutive terms of 15 years to life in prison.
Dan and Betty’s four children faced complex emotions after this tragic event. They each sought their own path to healing and resilience.
“Linda Kolkena and Dan Broderick’s loss deeply affected many. Their story warns us about unresolved conflicts. It reminds us to show compassion, even in tough times.”
Remembering Linda Kolkena’s Legacy
Linda Kolkena’s memory lives on despite her tragic death on November 5, 1989. She was a breast cancer advocate, inspirational speaker, and women’s health activist. Linda’s resilience and journey continue to inspire many.
Over 600 people attended Linda’s funeral at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Her coffin was adorned with white roses. Her tombstone featured a touching William Blake poem line.
The overwhelming support shows Linda Kolkena’s profound impact. Her cancer awareness and advocacy efforts touched many lives.
Maggie Kolkena-Seats, Linda’s sister, keeps her memory alive. She shares Linda Kolkena’s inspirational story of overcoming adversity. Maggie ensures Linda’s legacy of hope and resilience lives on.
Linda Kolkena’s life shows the power of the human spirit. Her story empowers others to pursue their dreams. She continues to inspire positive change in the world.
The Kolkena Family’s Pursuit of Justice
Betty Broderick’s conviction brought relief to Linda’s sister, Maggie Kolkena-Seats. The trials had ended, but the family’s pain persisted. Each new book, movie, and documentary series about the case reopened old wounds.
Maggie continues to speak out, honoring Linda’s memory. She ensures her sister’s story remains in the public consciousness, never to be forgotten.
Honoring Linda’s Memory
Maggie Kolkena-Seats champions her sister’s legacy tirelessly. As a breast cancer advocate and women’s health activist, she keeps Linda’s memory alive. Maggie raises awareness about domestic violence’s impact through her work.
Her role as an inspirational speaker helps others facing similar tragedies. Maggie’s personal journey of overcoming adversity and resilience provides hope to many. Through her efforts, she continues to honor Linda’s memory.
“Linda’s story exemplifies courage, strength, and the power of the human spirit. Her legacy lives on through our cancer awareness and women’s empowerment work.”
The Kolkena family’s pursuit of justice has been challenging but unwavering. They remain dedicated to preserving Linda’s story. Their advocacy aims to inspire others to speak out against domestic violence.
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| Linda Kolkena Broderick’s entry into Elisabeth Broderick’s bedroom | Linda entered the bedroom twice in one day without permission, in the spring of 1989, several months before the shooting incident. |
| Elisabeth Broderick’s notification about the sale of her La Jolla home | Elisabeth Broderick was informed about the sale of her La Jolla home with a four-hour notice on the same day Linda Kolkena Broderick entered the house. |
| The shooting incident | Daniel T. Broderick III and Linda Kolkena were found dead on November 5, 1989. |
| Elisabeth Broderick’s financial settlement | Elisabeth Broderick received her half of the sale of the La Jolla house and $16,100 monthly in support payments. |
| Elisabeth Broderick’s attempted suicide | Elisabeth Broderick attempted to end her life on the day of the incident, according to defense claims. |
Betty Broderick’s Imprisonment and Parole Denials
Betty Broderick is serving time for murdering her ex-husband Dan and his wife Linda in 1989. She’s at the California Institute for Women. In 2017, a parole board panel denied her request unanimously.
The panel denied Broderick parole for 15 years, the longest possible term. She’s serving 32 years to life. Her first parole denial came in 2010 after 20 years in prison.
Broderick claimed she was abused and driven to murder. Evidence didn’t fully support this. The case got wide attention, inspiring movies, a documentary, and books.
The San Diego County Deputy DA found the 2017 hearing arguments “tremendous”. They felt justice was served. Broderick appeared defiant and smirking during the hearing.
A commissioner said Broderick works from “evil” and lacks remorse. Her trials and behavior have led to continued imprisonment. Linda Kolkena’s story reminds us of bitter divorce consequences.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Parole Denials | 2 |
| Years Until Next Parole Hearing | 15 |
| Sentence Length | 32 years to life |
| Year of Conviction | 1991 |
The Impact on Dan and Betty’s Children
The Broderick family tragedy deeply affected Dan and Betty’s four children. They lost both parents in devastating circumstances. These innocent victims suffered the most from this heartbreaking event.
A family friend, Busby, said the children “lost the most” in this situation. They grew up without parental guidance and support. The kids faced the harsh consequences of unresolved anger and lack of forgiveness.
The children’s testimonies reveal the trauma they experienced. Lee Broderick, their daughter, remembered her father’s short temper. She also recalled his derogatory language about her mother. Their son, Daniel Broderick, was only 15 when his mother went to prison.
The younger sons lived with their father but were “frightened and silent” around him. They resisted returning to his home after visiting their mother, Betty Broderick. Friends and relatives testified that Betty suffered from depression and attempted suicide.
Despite the heartbreak, three Broderick children have started their own families. Kim, Dan, and Rhett are now married with children. However, childhood scars continue to shape their lives.
Their story serves as a reminder of anger’s devastating impact. It shows how lack of forgiveness can harm even the most innocent.
“The children are the ones who lost the most in this situation.”
Conclusion
Linda Kolkena‘s tragic story reminds us of anger’s devastating effects. Unresolved jealousy and lack of forgiveness can lead to dire consequences. Her family continues to honor her memory through breast cancer advocacy.
Linda Kolkena was a breast cancer survivor and inspirational speaker. She embodied resilience and hope as a women’s health activist. Her story of overcoming adversity inspires people worldwide.
Her dedication to cancer awareness touched many lives. Linda Kolkena‘s legacy emphasizes the importance of compassion and forgiveness. Her impact reminds us to prevent such tragedies.
We can honor her memory by learning from this case. Let’s create a world where remarkable individuals like Linda Kolkena are celebrated. Her unwavering spirit continues to inspire us all.
FAQ
Who was Linda Kolkena?
Linda Kolkena was Dan Broderick’s secretary at his San Diego law firm. She became his wife in 1983. Tragically, Dan’s ex-wife Betty Broderick killed them both in 1989.
How did Linda Kolkena and Dan Broderick meet?
In 1983, 21-year-old Kolkena started working as a receptionist at Dan’s law firm. She began a relationship with Dan, who was 17 years older and married. Their affair led to Dan’s divorce from Betty Broderick.
What happened during Dan and Betty Broderick’s divorce process?
The Broderick divorce was a highly publicized and bitter process lasting nearly five years. Betty’s anger over Dan’s affair with Kolkena fueled her destructive actions. She broke into their home, left angry messages, and crashed her car into their door.
The custody battle for their four children was fierce. Dan eventually gained custody of the kids.
What happened on the fateful night of November 5, 1989?
Betty Broderick entered Dan and Linda’s home using a stolen key. She shot them both in their bedroom with a .38-caliber revolver. Linda died instantly, and Dan was fatally wounded.
Betty ripped the phone from the wall and fled. Hours later, she turned herself in to the police.
What was the aftermath of the murders?
Over 600 people attended Dan and Linda’s funeral at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Linda’s coffin was covered in white roses. Her tombstone bore a line from William Blake’s poetry.
Linda’s sister, Maggie Kolkena-Seats, continues to honor Linda’s memory and legacy by speaking out.
What was the outcome of Betty Broderick’s trial?
Betty Broderick received two consecutive terms of 15 years to life. Her 2017 parole request was denied. She’s not eligible for parole again until 2032, when she’ll be 84.
In a 2017 letter, Betty claimed she was a “political prisoner” in a domestic abuse case.
How has the tragedy impacted the Broderick children?
The Broderick case deeply affected Dan and Betty’s four children. They lost both parents. A family friend said the children “lost the most” in this situation.
