Where Are Betty Broderick’s Children Now? What to Know About Their Lives 37 Years After Their Mother Murdered Their Father

Betty Broderick, a figure whose life story captivated and horrified many, passed away on 8 May 2026 at the age of 79. Her depart was marked by the presence of her four children: Kimberly, Lee, Dan Jr., and Rhett. Despite the dark legacy of her past, which included the 1989 murder of her ex-husband Dan Broderick and his new wife, Betty’s children chose to be by her side during her final moments.

Throughout her life, Betty was a polarising figure, gaining notoriety after she shot and killed her former spouse and his new partner, Linda Kolkena, while they slept. This tragic event marked a profound shift not only for Betty but also for her family. The couple had four children together and their lives were irrevocably altered by the violence that ensued.

In the years leading up to her death, Betty had been serving a life sentence at the California Institution for Women. Reports indicated that she had been facing health issues. Infections and a severe fall, resulting in broken ribs, led to her being placed on life support in an intensive care unit outside of prison, where she ultimately succumbed to her ailments.

Betty’s tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband Dan has been well documented. After a series of confrontations, including accusations of infidelity and emotional turmoil, Betty’s despair culminated in her committing the shocking crime. Following a mistrial, she was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and served a lengthy prison sentence that included multiple terms related to the use of a firearm.

The dynamics of Betty’s family were complex, particularly regarding the children’s perspectives on their mother’s actions. Rhett, during an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show shortly after the trial, shared that he and his brother had expressed concerns to their father about their mother’s mental state in the lead-up to the shootings. His comments reflected a deep familial rift and a struggle to reconcile their parents’ tumultuous relationship with their own desires for a stable home.

The Broderick siblings have often opened up about their difficult upbringing. Kim, in particular, detailed instances of conflict between her parents, describing her mother’s behaviour as erratic and indicative of deep-seated issues. In interviews, she recounted her mother’s struggles with anger and disappointment, often revealing a yearning for the stability that her father’s departure had disrupted.

Despite the dramatic backdrop of their parents’ divorce and the subsequent murder case, the siblings managed to diverge in their opinions about their mother. Some, like Rhett, have advocated for her release from prison, insisting that she posed no danger to society. Others, including Dan Jr., held a contrasting view, believing that releasing a troubled individual could present significant risks.

Betty’s relationship with her children remained complicated after the murders and throughout her incarceration. In her memoir, *Telling On Myself*, she expressed a deep affection for her children and lamented the loss of a happy childhood for them—a stark contrast to her own experiences. The complexity of their familial bonds continued even as they testified in her trials, reflecting the conflicting emotions surrounding loyalty, love, and betrayal.

In the years subsequent to their mother’s incarceration, the Broderick children endeavoured to build their own lives. Reports indicate that some siblings have settled in Idaho, with Rhett taking on a role as a teacher and starting a family of his own. Their public appearances have become infrequent, suggesting a preference for privacy in a life overshadowed by tragedy.

Kim Broderick took a step into the public eye in 2014 with the release of her memoir, *Betty Broderick, My Mom: The Kim Broderick Story*. In this work, she sought to articulate the impact of her mother’s actions on their lives and the journey of healing that followed. This personal narrative stands as a testament to the chaotic and often painful heritage left in the wake of her mother’s infamous actions.

Betty Broderick’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of familial love and the consequences of unchecked emotional turmoil. As her children navigated their formative years, they continued to grapple with the aftermath of their mother’s actions, even as they came together to support her in her final moments. Their presence at her death signifies a complex but enduring family bond, overshadowed by the tragic circumstances that defined their shared history.