Is Betty Broderick Still in Prison?
Key Facts at a Glance
- Status: Incarcerated — Betty Broderick remains behind bars.
- Convictions: Two counts of second-degree murder (1991) for the 1989 killings of Daniel T. Broderick III and Linda Kolkena Broderick.
- Sentence: 32 years to life (sentenced February 1992).
- Facility: California Institution for Women (CIW), Chino, California.
- Parole: Denied in 2010 and 2017; next eligible hearing currently indicated as January 2032.
Background of the Case
In November 1989, Betty Broderick shot and killed her ex-husband Daniel (Dan) T. Broderick III and his new wife Linda Kolkena Broderick inside their San Diego home. The case drew national attention and remains one of the most discussed domestic homicide cases in the United States.
Trial, Retrial & Sentencing
Broderick’s first trial ended with a hung jury. In a 1991 retrial, the jury convicted her on two counts of second-degree murder. In February 1992, the court imposed a sentence of 32 years to life in prison.
Parole Status & Denials
Because her sentence is “32 years to life,” Broderick may seek parole, but she has been denied multiple times:
- 2010: First parole hearing — denied.
- 2017: Subsequent hearing — denied; media reports highlighted the board’s concerns regarding remorse.
- Next eligibility: January 2032 (as indicated in publicly reported schedules). Actual timing is determined by the California Board of Parole Hearings and may be subject to change.
Where Is She Now?
Broderick is incarcerated at the California Institution for Women (CIW) in Chino, California. Given previous denials and the nature of her sentence, she is expected to remain in custody at least until her next eligible review — and potentially longer if parole continues to be denied.
A Reporter’s Take
Interest in the Broderick case endures across books, documentaries and dramatisations. For parole panels, acceptance of responsibility, demonstrated remorse, and insight into the crime typically weigh heavily. Media accounts of prior hearings suggest these factors have been pivotal in past denials. Her eventual prospects may hinge on those same considerations, along with age and health at the time of review.
Conclusion
Yes — Betty Broderick is still in prison. She is serving a 32-years-to-life term at CIW, Chino. Parole has been denied in prior hearings, and the next currently signposted eligibility is January 2032.
Editor’s Note on Sources
This explainer is based on widely reported case histories, parole-hearing summaries and public inmate-location references as reflected in the user-provided source list.
FAQs: Betty Broderick’s Prison Status
- Is Betty Broderick still in prison?
- Yes. She remains incarcerated and is serving a 32-years-to-life sentence.
- Where is she being held?
- At the California Institution for Women (CIW) in Chino, California.
- What was she convicted of?
- Two counts of second-degree murder (1991) for the 1989 killings of Dan and Linda Broderick.
- When was she sentenced?
- February 1992, to 32 years to life.
- Has she had parole hearings?
- Yes. She was denied parole in 2010 and again in 2017. Her next eligibility is currently indicated as January 2032.
- Why has parole been denied?
- Media reports of prior hearings cite concerns over remorse and acceptance of responsibility as key factors.