‘Dirty John’ Finale: Where are Betty Broderick and Her Children Today?

Dirty John: The Betty Broderick story comes to end today with the season finale, finally wrapping up the true crime tale of divorcée Betty Broderick and the murder of her husband. All season long, we were pulled deeper into the life of Betty (Amanda Peet) and her family, leading up to the day in 1989 when she killed her ex-husband Dan (Christian Slater) and his new wife, Linda Kolkena (Rachel Keller).

After last week’s episode, when Betty murdered Dan and Linda, tonight’s episode delves into the trial and the aftermath of Betty’s crime. In just an instant, her life and the lives of her children were changed forever with the murders. But how close is the series to real life? What happened to Betty, and where is she today? Here’s everything you need to know, but be warned — there are Dirty John spoilers ahead!

Is Betty Broderick Still Alive?

Yes, Betty Broderick is still alive today. She is currently 72 years old.

What Happened to Betty Broderick?

After Betty killed Dan and Linda, she went to trial. Her first trial ended in a hung jury, but in her second, she was convicted of second-degree murder, according to Oxygen. Broderick was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison: two terms of 15 years to life, plus two years years for illegal use of a firearm. She’s been in jail since the day she killed Dan and Linda, and was sent to the California Institute for Women in China, California.

Is Betty Broderick in Prison?

Betty Broderick continues to server her prison sentence and is still in the California Institute for Women. Broderick first requested parole in 2010, but was denied for refusing to admit wrongdoing and showing a lack of remorse. She was up again in 2011 and 2017, but was denied both times. She won’t be considered for parole for another 12 years, until 2032, according to CBS.

What Happened to Betty Broderick’s Children?

After Betty and Dan’s bitter, five-year divorce, he had full custody of their four children in 1989. Kim, Kathy Lee, Daniel Jr., and Rhett are all grown up today and have spent much of their lives out of the public eye since their mother’s trial. All of the children are still in touch with Betty, visiting her multiple times per year in prison.

Kim Broderick, who testified against Betty in court, released a book in 2014 titled “Betty Broderick, My Mom: The Kim Broderick Story” about her family life and the murders. She told People in 1992 that her mother would call her from jail and blame her incarceration on her daughter, saying, “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here.” Kim said at the time that her mother seemed to be adjusting, though. “But I think she’s handling it better now,” she added.

Kathy Lee Broderick, who testified in court that her mother called her after the murders to confirm, “the bitch is dead,” was the first person Betty contacted after she killed Dan and Linda, according to Marie Claire. The second-oldest Broderick child was cut out of her father’s will before his death, and she later advocated for Betty’s release from prison in 2010.

Daniel Jr. Broderick, who did not testify in the trial, went on to attend Stanford University and now has a wife and three children, according to Distractify. Unlike his sister Kathy Lee, Daniel does not believe Betty should be freed from prison. In 2010, he said his mother was still “hung up on justifying what she did.”

Rhett Broderick, the youngest of the four, appeared on Oprah to discuss the family tragedy and defend his mother. “She’s a nice lady,” he said. “Everyone here would like her…if they spoke with her on any topic other than my dad. Keeping her in prison isn’t really helping her. She’s not a danger to society—the only two people she was a danger to are dead.”

Where to watch Dirty John