Is Betty Broderick’s Story Available on Netflix? All You Need to Know

The life of Betty Broderick served as the inspiration for the second season of Dirty John on Netflix, aptly named Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story, which debuted on the streaming service after its original premiere on the USA Network on May 31, 2020. This gripping season features eight episodes, each running approximately 44 minutes.

The highly publicized divorce between Betty Broderick and Daniel T. Broderick III is dubbed one of the most tumultuous divorces in U.S. history, and for good reason.

To provide some context, Betty and Daniel initially shared a conventional marriage that took a downturn around 1983 when Daniel began an affair with his legal assistant, Linda Kolkena, approximately 13 years into their marriage.

As the divorce proceedings unfolded, tensions mounted as Betty accused Daniel of various misconducts, alleging that he had tampered with vital documents and liquidated their shared assets without her consent. These grievances led Betty to engage in increasingly aggressive behaviors that ultimately resulted in her murdering both Daniel and Linda.

Who is Betty Broderick? Exploring the real story behind Dirty John

Betty Broderick, the focal point of the second season of Dirty John on Netflix, was born on November 7, 1947. Raised in Bronxville, New York, she attended Maria Regina High School and Eastchester High School, completing her education at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx.

In 1965, Betty crossed paths with Dan Broderick at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, where their initial connection blossomed into romance. They briefly dated before tying the knot in 1969.

Betty gave birth to her first child with Dan in 1970, followed by three additional children in 1971, 1976, and 1979. While Betty managed the family’s finances and home life, Dan pursued his medical degree and attended law school, soon landing a position with a law firm in California, which prompted the family’s relocation.

In 1982, Dan hired a legal assistant named Linda Kolkena to help with his work. By 1983, Betty’s suspicions of an extramarital affair grew stronger, which were confirmed when Dan moved out in 1985.

This led to one of America’s most sensational legal cases, characterized by a highly contentious divorce, episodes of property destruction, and the brutal double homicide of Dan Broderick and Linda Kolkena.

Did Betty Broderick kill Dan and Linda Broderick?

Seven months after Dan married Linda, Betty Broderick entered their Marston Hills residence and shot them while they slept using a newly purchased Smith & Wesson revolver. According to reports from The LA Times, Betty turned herself in voluntarily and confessed to her actions.

During her trial, it was revealed that Betty had previously disabled all forms of communication from Dan’s bedroom before the murders, leaving him unable to call for assistance. It was also disclosed that Daniel did not die immediately, and there was brief communication between him and Betty before his death.

All episodes of Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story are currently available to stream on Netflix.

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