Betty Broderick Case Analysis | The Murder Part #1

The Murder Part #1: Betty Broderick
This case features a double homicide, which occurred on November 5, 1989.
Betty Broderick drove to her ex-husband's house, made entry, and found him and his new wife in the master bedroom. Broderick fired five shots from her revolver, killing both victims.
“The Murder Part” featuring Dr. Grande, Michael Smith, and Jeff Pincin.
References:
www.cbs8.com/article/news/loc...
www.oxygen.com/true-crime-buz...
www.popsugar.com/entertainmen...
www.courttv.com/trials/califo...
www.oprahmag.com/entertainmen...

[@elizabethb4627]

I was 14 yrs old when my father left my mother and their 7 kids for a younger mistress. I witnessed how he rejected her and appeared cold to us, his kids. I don’t justify Mrs Broderick murdering, but feel sorry for what she went through!

[@marymedal8665]

I'm sorry that happened to you, your siblings, and your mom.

[@harmony3279]

So sorry.

[@littlesmith5005]

But they had been divorced for a few years and life went on. She murdered them both when she got her hands on those keys. Plain and simple I was rejected and treated terrible when my ex was cheating. I know all those feeling. But no one has the right to kill another person and if you do, you don't pass go and you don't collect 200.00 dollars! Lol

[@rahmit47]

People murder when they feel they have been betrayed unfortunately for the victims of murder.Murder is final

[@colleenglass5770]

I am so sorry that you had that kind of pain as a child😢. I listened to the real court case and heard Betty admit calling Dan terrible names way before he had an affair. It sounded like she was emotionally abusive to him, which didn't excuse him for having an affair but may have caused him to want to distance himself from her. I learned alot about the facts from the real court case.

[@SimpleWhiteSpace]

This was great! I particularly liked how the presenters respected each others time to comment and didn't interrupt. A lot of podcast styles tend to be very competitive for commentary.

[@julieann4616]

Yes!!

[@shirleysue228]

I'm sorry, I disagree. Mike interrupts a lot when Dr. Grande starts to make a point. It's annoying. Imo

[@sharee3135]

@@shirleysue228 yes! Mike is annoying. Constantly interrupting the others

[@carolnahigian9518]

the SECOND WIFE ridiculed Betty's weight problem-.... triggered rage?????

[@P.willow]

I'm about to listen to the podcast as I've recently got into the real story after watching it on Netflix. I'm searching for court videos and other people's opinions about the whole horror show. So I hope ur right about how there's no interrupted conversations or silly inputs to just make noise on a podcast. But I'm fascinated by this. Especially season 1 of Dirty John.... Wow... Great series.

[@adrienekausner9701]

Ok, I know you all are professionals, but I feel like you need a female opinion here. She didn’t want him back. She didn’t need to fight with him. She needed to make him suffer. I feel like part of her dropping the kids off at his home was because she felt like the kids deserved to live the life they should have had before he left her. Also, if in fact , they were defending him in an argument, then yeah, she would have been like, you think he’s so great? Go find out. I fully believe that she was depressed and planned to shoot her self in front of him, and maybe even the kids, because she felt that betrayal so deep. But I can absolutely empathize with the possibility that she walked in that room and saw them Sleeping peacefully in their bed and was like, FUCK YOU. Not saying it’s right. Just saying I can relate.

[@bunmitella9672]

I think a big part of her identity was tied up in being a mum. She thought that dropping off the kids will make him appreciate how much work it was. She was wrong. He jst moved Linda in and started playing happy families with her. I think thats wat really triggered her. That move backfired spectacularly on her. She cld see that she was replaceable as a wife but as a mum? That wld have been devastating for her I think. I think thats why she unravelled really. He knew her well and knew all her weaknesses.

[@MalonsMilk]

I totally agree and was thinking the same thing

[@KoreaMojo]

It tastes like a borderline (her) and narcissistic (him) dynamic. If I remember correctly, Dr.Grande thought similarly. Not saying either would meet full criteria but close. That being said, I understand your comment and her actions. Although, it'd be vastly better to not take her conclusion. These types of attitudes on relationships being transactional and instrumentalizing people are increasing. It's really an emotional pollutant and a rip-off to the value of relationships.

[@psmith4996]

If people can so easily relate to how Betty was feeling, then perhaps we should try to relate to how Dan was feeling and why he did what he did?

[@haintedhouse2990]

so you empathize with Betty walking into the room and looking at them sleeping peacefully when she's not even supposed to be there lol. maybe if she would have stayed in her beautiful beachside home with her new live-in boyfriend she could avoid looking at Dan & Linda sleeping peacefully. don't feel bad for loony lady at all.

[@letsgetlit2829]

How does someone drive a car into a house, violate numerous restraining orders and was able to terrorize, vandalize and intimidate and not end up in Jail? Especially if we’re going with the narrative that Dan was this untouchable lawyer who had the whole system in his back pocket?

[@dianeoh8795]

exactly - she was a manipulator, a liar, and a killer.

[@Just.The.Next.Step.]

“Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.” Proverb 21:24

[@cinnamon-spice]

Very enjoyable podcast. ❤ I identified with it so much. I can't condone what Betty did, but she does have my sympathy. I was in a very similar situation and it nearly destroyed me at the time. The immense stress damaged my health, leaving me disabled, in great physical pain and unable to walk. Not to mention the emotional pain. A high price to pay for supporting my ex in his career and giving my all to our family, only to be discarded for a younger model. But Betty paid a much higher price. I must say, I do struggle with her lack of remorse. Fast forward 20 years I am happy and content and actually glad he left, even if it did cost me my health.

[@Polski_Kabaret]

Bless you ❤️

[@grizzly1132]

He made $137000 a week and she got $16000-month. There was a feeling her sacrifice got him to the pot of gold. None of the property was in her name and he played judge over her penalties for bad .....hell hath no fury like a woman scorned ..... behaviour. He deducted the charges from her $16000.Leaving her on debt to him.. She was traumatized after all the years of feeling completely unsafe and violated and in turn violated two people herself..its a sad story.. A good story to remind us of Revenge is Mine says the Lord. .....

[@Lindasinish]

Yes, I have been traded in for a younger model. Yes, the range of emotions were unpleasant. I never thought about taking a life, but I certainly visualized thowing things. Eventually their relationship ended and I smirked. Now, I can see how my life is better because of the divorce. This podcast held my attention and I found it educational and entertaining.

[@maric820]

Good for you! And I am smirking with you. 😊

[@shoptalk7415]

so u can understand better than most how crazy it would be to go that crazy to want to kill ur children's father! This women was off way b4 the divorce... when u burn sum1 cloths that is a sign of being unstable

[@puffyelvis5895]

Good for you! Sometimes unfortunate circumstances do lead to a far better life. Cheers

[@martinakuhnert9636]

Same here and I had three small kids with him at home. After he left, he called from a number I did not know and I called back. It was her place and answering machine in her voice said" WE are not home right now".... We were still married and she even became pregnant while we were married. It was hard in every possible way. However I soon realized making my own decisions was not bad. Concentrating only on my kids and not where he was (late again) was also good. I took him to Court and that was that. They got married and I heard had problems from the start. ( She did not like him paying child support). She then left him for another man and married him and started family with him. Ex then wanted to come back.....I think you know my answer. Karma works.

[@tianna1116]

@@martinakuhnert9636 I’m so glad you’re through that, I wonder how people cope with situations like this because I don’t feel like I can function when I’m having trouble with relationships. But what you went through was so extreme, how does one go one with daily life when something like that happens? How do you eat or sleep? I’m genuinely curious, what pain you must have felt

[@zero_bs_tolerance8646]

Meredith Baxter was nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal of Betty in a very good TV movie called "A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story". Thanks, guys.

[@Unknown-bq9id]

Amanda Peet also was good as Betty in the TV show...

[@Blue-hf7xt]

I didn’t like that movie

[@sfuterfas]

FYI, Betty's child, who died after a few days, was her third child that was born, not her fifth (unless you count the two miscarriages before). She had the two daughters, then two miscarriages, then the child who died after a few days, then had an abortion because she felt overwhelmed already with the two girls, then had her two sons, then had another abortion on her doctor's advice, due to varicose veins and other health complications, at which time she had her tubes tied. This is according to the book, "Hell Hath No Fury..." by Bryna Taubman.

[@debbiegum2226]

Glad you brought up these missing points and put it into a correct timeline

[@dianeoh8795]

Not exactly the strict Catholic she painted herself to be.

[@carriewittbrodt5072]

She testified at her trial that she herself made a decision to terminate 2 pregnancies. Watch the trial that Court TV showed.

[@gracevalentine1666]

Betty’s story happened in my home town. There were lawyers in my family. When my aunt’s husband did a Dan Broderick and presto chango he is disbarred with charges pending. Auntie L doesn’t get her hands dirty, she gets even. He cut lawns for the rest of his days.

[@nicoles7800]

Lol, Auntie L is a bad a**

[@anastasia10017]

disbarred on what grounds ??

[@gracevalentine1666]

@@anastasia10017 His name was Richard Harris McClure, Ca state bar lookup tells as much as I know. I could repeat what I was told back then, but it’s probably a lie. 1978, I think.

[@jessicamuniz9761]

I don't doubt it for a minute that 21-22 year old replacement sent her stuff about her age and made comments to Betty. That girl was and is a homewrecker period, her parents should be so proud, because they raised a young woman to sleep with married men and sleep with the boss to move up on the chain..

[@TischTosh]

Who ARE you? Unless you were there, watch the "dreading" version of this story. Two sides to every story.

[@rhondabitler5474]

I agree. Many people don't blame her because Dan was the married one. I still think she wouldn't have been attracted to Dan without his wealth. If he had four kids, broken down cars or homes and a crazy acting wife. She would have hit the road quick fast and in a hurry. Maybe not even get involved to begin with.

[@rscbmr1023]

59:30 You mentioned what you surmised was Betty's motivation for what she did and her hang-up with Dan. IMO it was the fact that she stood by him (like you said) all those years and then he just walked away and used his connections to bush her off like she was nothing. I've been in a relationship a touch similar and the mind can snap into OH HELL NO you don't get to dismiss all these years like it's nothing. Betty went so far over the line however the understanding is there for the agony she suffered when he walked away

[@Time_to_Stop_Animal_Abuse]

Exactly.

[@kevinmalone3210]

Yet, as difficult it must've been for her, if she could've moved past this ugly event in her life, she could've had a much better life.

[@Time_to_Stop_Animal_Abuse]

@@kevinmalone3210 - I know.

[@carriefawcett9990]

She was too piss-weak to move on. Most of us get shafted by others in one way or another in life. Tough! Get on with it. No excuse for taking two innocent people. Yes they were innocent!!

[@Vk-mm4lf]

@@carriefawcett9990 Some people dont have the obvious strength or inner resources that you have.

[@clarebellgrace7294]

Betty wanted everyone to know how hurt and angry she was. She didn't care what happened to her. The court gave her a platform to express her pain. No one else would listen or take her pain seriously. Keeping the nasty letters her husband's partner sent was evidence of how much she was hurt. I guess nobody in her life felt interested or equipped enough to listen to her. I doubt she thought she'd get away with murder. That wasn't why she did it.

[@haintedhouse2990]

who would want to listen to her? that whiny voice alone is worth a life sentence.

[@martinakuhnert9636]

@@haintedhouse2990 Well, Dan dated "that voice" for four years before he married her. (Did somebody force him?). He then insisted on no birth control for that "voice" resulting in one kid after another. ( Nine pregnancies in total).

[@FreddieandBrenda]

@@haintedhouse2990 , if you listen closely when they played Linda on Dans answering machine, she talked fast and like a child!

[@haintedhouse2990]

@@martinakuhnert9636 Dan was intrigued by Betty's quick wit and snappy comebacks which at first seemed charming along with the nails on the chalkboard voice. when the marriage went south I can only imagine him plowing through it like a machine. theirs was a loveless marriage built for show and tradition. they were catholic -must produce endless kids.

[@haintedhouse2990]

@@FreddieandBrenda and what does that mean?

[@kayzbluegenes]

I totally identified with BB's feelings. It is sick and scary that Linda looked so much like "young Betty." Dan was a POS.

[@helenal.7881]

You mean Betty was a POS. Dan was a saint for putting up w her emotional and verbal abuse for so long. You obviously don’t know the real story. Bless your heart

[@TischTosh]

​@@helenal.7881❤ "bless your heart"😂 I totally agree with you. So many things she could have done including just walk away with alimony, either one of her two careers (or neither and just live with her boyfriend) with or without the kids, just say "I ❤ me", get excellent outpatient therapy and🎉🎉 eventually. Personality disorders are so destructive. You have to hold to any nugget of insight you may get and RUN to a therapist with it.... In My Opinion of course 😅

[@MichieHoward]

@@vivian5361 Wasted life? lol ok mam.

[@MichieHoward]

@@vivian5361Mam, ma'am, madame. Or your true title 'victim blaming asshole'.

[@bethnolastname]

Dr. Grande, it has been a joy to see you animated, interacting with others, and laughing. So now I will watch you on two channels and enjoy both. I wouldn't change anything about either one.

[@jpincinjr]

Thanks for watching Beth!

[@puffyelvis5895]

It disturbs me how people’s children become an extension of their ego.

[@lauraburger1272]

She dropped them off because she and her friends thought that it would put a damper on the 21 year olds dream of what she thought about the husband well she needed to remember that he had four children and that she didn’t get to have a honeymoon every night with her husband know you also have to take care of four children.

[@dianeoh8795]

Betty was trying to drive Linda away - try raising 4 kids and see how much fun it is - but her plan backfired. Dan was able to get full custody of the kids and by all accounts, Linda was very kind to the children.

[@rhondabitler5474]

I agree. Only Linda was 28 when they got married.

[@RG-ja34sep]

A brilliant and fascinating discussion of the entire Betty Broderick story, you gentlemen have certainly done a great job analysing all the factors. This has to be the most complex case of murder, spousal rage, divorce, hatred, jealousy, infidelity and family tragedy of anything I have ever heard of. It’s so intense that I believe 2 films have been made of the Betty & Dan Broderick saga, as well as the many documentaries and TV series it was part of.

[@debbiegum2226]

Another tragic story was the movie/ book, “Bitter Blood”. The mom had grown up spoiled rotten and completely entitled, married a dentist and they had 2 boys. She was a mean, viscous person and drove her husband away from her. She ended up marrying her cousin, moved the family to (I believe) Idaho and would not let her ex husband see his kids. Her cousin-husband murdered her parents and the ex’a parents and then they end up blowing up their car while they are driving and trying to get away from the cops. The wacko mom, her wacko husband, and the 2 boys were all killed

[@marykate6640]

Honestly big fan of Dr Grande but I did not expect to enjoy this podcast. Truly a very well done podcast. I really like the discussions that go on and everyone is very nice and insightful to listen to. Can’t wait for this podcast to be on other podcast apps so I can leave a good review. Definitely worth giving a try for anyone who likes true crime and psychology

[@jpincinjr]

We appreciate you giving it a chance, Mary Kate!

[@bunmitella9672]

I’m just waiting for someone to explain to le why Dan who was supposedly prosperous, happy and in love felt the need to taunt and aggravate Betty. When I’m in love, all I want is peace. Yet he was the one instigating all the shit he knew wld set her off. Why?

[@anntwin1301]

He wanted to set her off because he is cruel! He wanted to drive her crazy so she’d lose everything and it worked. She was losing everything and that’s why she killed him and his skank! They were cruel to her and the way Dan left her was beyond evil! He cut all ties and only communicated with her through a lawyer even though she was the one who supported him and raised all the kids while he went to med school then law school.

[@natasharaymond8958]

It was all about control. He wanted to get Betty to conform fair play to Betty she had the last word

[@yoyoclodie]

Because he was sticking up for his new wife I imagine

[@ginac895]

Dan was cruel.

[@Blue-hf7xt]

To fully win, enjoy his new life, Betty had to be eliminated. It’s could be fueled by strict Catholic. Can’t remarry with a living spouse.

[@katrinacollins892]

Just watched this via Patreon. I liked the longer format, I liked the 3-person discussion, and I liked the topic. Well done.

[@coyoter9691]

Loved this podcast. I've been wishing for longer Grande videos as I crave more details and analysis on cases and his vids are often too short for me. Really enjoyed the other two guys, the dynamic was natural. Will definitely be back to watch more!

[@jpincinjr]

We appreciate you watching! More videos coming very soon!

[@golovastik.mp3]

looking forward to some long-form content with my favourite Doc! studio looks great, audio sounds great, and what an interesting case. best of luck with this new format, i'm definitely liking it so far!

[@ledzep75254]

Love listening to all of you speak....all 3 of you definitely have an intelligent perspective of this case....best I heard!

[@debbiegum2226]

This has to be one of the best, most rational and on-point discussions I have heard regarding this case I was in college when this became national news and Oprah became obsessed with the case, so I clearly remember the story I also watched the movie many years ago with Meredith Baxter. One thing you all brought up (which I didn’t know but have often wondered about) was the fact that Betty grew up wealthy and in a wealthy family where she was probably used to getting whatever she wanted. This probably fed into her mood swings and anger issues. Plus her having had 2 abortions didn’t help her emotional health, either

[@helpyourcattodrive]

I empathize w Betty as I’m listening. Having five kids w a bloke makes it hard to move on. It seems like he taunted her as well. What a mess.

[@shoptalk7415]

I don't think he did... when u r happy u don't even concern yaself with if the other person in happy or not... Dan fell in love... he was happy... I doubt he even cares about her... and that's what hurt most! She was so unhappy she actually thought dropping the kids off was a good idea!

[@cinnamon-spice]

@@shoptalk7415 My ex was happy and in love in his new relationship with his younger mistress, but it didn't stop his abuse towards me during the divorce. He bore grudges and continued to make my life as difficult as he could.

[@giselleali1979]

If neither had been vindictive, things could have ended differently. Linda knew she started a relationship with a married man. The kids were the victim here.

[@bunmitella9672]

My ex remarried, supposedly in love and happy, she has money and he is still obsessed with fucking my shit up. Dan was a narc - it’s obvious. When u r the one with money and love u shld be benevolent. Instead he was the opposite.Why? He tortured her on purpose. He does yhe classic narc thing were they do something absolutely horrific to u and then when u respond u look like the crazy one and they look sane. Not saying Betty is perfect or wld have made this easy for Dan but considering wat he was asking her to accept why fuck with her? Especially taking the children away? He was a wicked human being who had always gotten away with being cruel till he couldn’t.

[@landofthelivingskies3318]

@@bunmitella9672 ....the worst part was how he was able to punish her with taking the alimony money away everytime she swore or called him names....wtf!?

[@judytaylor3099]

This is the third podcasts in this series that I have watched today and I love them. I really should get a few chores done but I just can’t tear myself away. Thank you so much!

[@nimeryaspawnbrd1049]

Linda is the one I understand less in all this. She had seven years to witness things escalating this bad, and instead of removing herself from such a situation she actually helped the escalation by butting heads with the ex wife every chance she had... I really can't figure a reason strong enough for someone to stay under such a cross fire. I'm probably just too callous, but when someone bashes through your front door with a car you shouldn't stay in that house a minute longer, not even for money or love.

[@natasharaymond8958]

Linda was foolish she never thought that Dan would treat her as poorly as he had treated Betty, but little did she know she was used too. As a Narc He wasnt capable of love, these women just facilitated him. They were very similar

[@stephanieharries7746]

I agree one of the things that stood out to me if this is true which probably is that there was some fine china that Betty was supposedly that was something important to her that the ex the girlfriend or the mistress whatever she refused to let Betty pickup which I thought was really insensitive you know where's Betty took it too far another thing that has ice cores 20/20 why didn't Betty just rally around her with the women who had similar situations and try to support herself and some kind of support group got out of the military from San Diego and Corset was you know them mid-2000 22010 and I thought San Diego is just beautiful I can't imagine giving all that up for prison

[@Blue-hf7xt]

Linda caught her prize and wasn’t going to let go. Linda thought she would win.

[@dianeoh8795]

@@Blue-hf7xt she did win Dan and the life they had. Maybe she loved him, who knows? I think she's a victim here. Any woman that came between Betty and Dan would have incurred the same wrath. By all accounts, Linda was a lovely young woman, adored by family and friends. Dan pursued her, and I'm sure he was charming, handsome, had a sob story about his failed marriage, and he swept her off her feet. I heard they were trying to start a family of their own. Dan's kids said she was very kind to them. Imagine your house being routinely vandalized and broken into, hearing vulgar messages about yourself played in front of these kids. Money or not, she didn't have to stay for that, when you're 21 and gorgeous, there's plenty of fish in the sea. I think she loved this man and was caught in the crossfire.

[@Blue-hf7xt]

@@dianeoh8795 you wrote a lot of bull shite. Try writing some facts evidence.

[@lnc-to4ku]

I love how many details you three dig up, and then analyze every angle of them together! Such an interesting and extremely enjoyable podcast!

[@clarebellgrace7294]

As a woman who had been brought up to be a mother and wife her whole identity was lost. Losing her 5th child and then her husband left Betty feeling like she had nothing to live for. Dropping the children off was about her resenting her husband for shirking his responsibilities to her and making him take some of the parenting pressure off her. Also she probably resented her husband and his partners child free status when Betty would never experience that with a new partner. All of this festered and developed into post traumatic stress syndrome. PTSD means that everything in her life from that moment on was associated with being left by her husband when she needed him most. No excuse for her behaviour, just some understanding of her obsession with blame for her mental anguish. I'd be interested in the hosts opinion on PTSD as a diagnosis rather than a personality disorder.

[@jpincinjr]

That's a good angle to look at it from.

[@KoreaMojo]

There is some thought that most personality disorders are refractory to PTSD unlike the transient forms experienced in adulthood. That is why it can look like a PD when someone has PTSD. So you can find much online about this. For what he's worth, Sam Vaknin has videos on this concept.

[@dianeoh8795]

Perhaps both, but you're right, may suffer with this and do not kill two victims while they lie in bed asleep. There is something more wrong with this woman.

[@caitlinbriggs3256]

As someone who has been with my partner since high school, supported him through med school and now through a 7-year residency, I would probably want to strangle him if he told me he wanted to go to law school next.

[@jalasword]

No kidding! Like the schooling for each of those professions is no issue. Just change your mind on a whim. THEN, he had the audacity to "trade her in". AFTER, she stood by and supported him attending college for TWO of the highest paid professions. She certainly had every reason to believe that they were going to have a good life together.

[@floraposteschild4184]

Just out of curiosity, Caitlin: what would you do if your partner got his practice up and running, and then dumped you for someone else? I gather you're not married, so what kind of agreement or arrangement do you have with him, so you're financially protected? IMO, you are entitled to half the practice, but I don't know the law where you are.

[@jessicamuniz9761]

Not just that but supporting him and then he forgets what she did for him?? And he has everything because she made him and he felt he didn't owe her?? Dude he was wrong he owe her everything.

[@lbca81]

So apples to oranges. He was at the end of med school when they met, he never went thru residency. They discussed law school and she agreed it was a good decision. And there were years of jewels, vacations etc. This podcast is very misleading

[@psmith4996]

@@jalasword actually he was already through medical school before they got married so she had nothing to do with that at all.

[@danielsullivan2498]

My one criticism of this podcast series is......can you introduce the co-hosts and their backgrounds? I’m not sure if they’re “professionals” in this space (like mental health professionals/lawyers/or criminal justice generally) or if they’re just your buddies who share an interest in these topics. Does not affect the quality at all but would like to know for reference

[@jpincinjr]

Good idea, Daniel. We were just working on that last night. Thanks for your comment and for watching!

[@danielsullivan2498]

@@jpincinjr thanks. hopefully that did not come off as pretentious I didn’t mean it like that. Good podcast either way

[@jpincinjr]

Not at all. We're always looking for ways to get better. We are all licensed mental health counselors. Mike specializes in Narrative Therapy and brings a lot of popular media knowledge into his therapy and the podcast. I specialize in OCD treatment with exposure therapy. We all bring a lot of different things into the podcast.

[@MichaelSmith-jd5ki]

Jeff beat me to the reply on this one. We did film an intro about ourselves that Dr. Grande should post soonish. We are all buddies who share an interest in the topics, but we're also professionals in the mental health field. When Dr. Grande posts the intro video, check it out to learn a little more about us.

[@annwethenorth]

Agreed. It's nice to know what kind of area of expertise is around, your round tables 😁. Good luck! @grande just seen your book list 😁🤓 I was thrilled one is an audiobook. I'll be getting it soon. ♥️🇨🇦👏

[@disgruntledmoderate5331]

I can sympathize right up to where she weaponized the kids. That is never ok, no matter what. I know someone who never badmouths the dad to the kids, and trust me, those kids figured out how big a loser dad was on their own. She saw her job as coparenting to the best of her ability because she loved her kids more than she hated the dad.

[@natasharaymond8958]

He weaponised the kids. They were her heart and soul - he knew that. He used his kids. She just spiralled due to his abuse and crazy making. To think she helped build his career that he would eventually use to destroy her the mother of his kids. He didn't put his kids first. they were meerley and accessory to his goal

[@ninastanford3936]

Great podcast! Broderick case is heartbreaking 💔 I enjoy this podcast because everyone can speak without anyone talking over anyone. Very pleasant to listen to. Please make more Dr. Grande with these guest speakers 👍😊

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

You guys did a wonderful job! Great topic, interesting discussion and great format overall. Looking forward to watching more of your videos:)🙌🏼❤️

[@merricat3025]

$16,000 in 1990 would be over $33,000 today

[@msalllie99]

So a man can marry a woman, she raises their children and financially supports him on his career path then when he makes it, he can leave her for a younger woman with no repercussions other than alimony? What is wrong with this picture?

[@jackiegrice714]

This was really entertaining everyone-good luck on the new venture!

[@darlenelawson1255]

The Lion and the Mouse, maybe another book. If they had the platforms that we have today, you could imagine. So she had a psychotic break??. I have to admit I would be on her side. Nothing worse than a woman Scorned. Hopefully I wouldn't kill anyone. Yes he did seem to be a Narcissist. I learned more about guns here Back to the Future+++a great series of movies. Congratulations on this podcast ❤️❤️🇨🇦 All the best I'm sure he didn't believe she would ever shoot him. She didn't care if she went to jail or lived or died I believe. A woman's view😌

[@dorbie]

The victim impact statement of Brian Monaghan is pretty devastating for Betty, and worth a listen.

[@alexbuller8097]

Great Job guys! Best of luck to your channel!

[@Carolina-hv7sf]

One of your guests who defended Betty saying she had the kids, had to take care of the house etc. Betty had two nanny’s and a full time housekeeper. That’s a luxury very few women have, probably why she dumped the kids on Dan, she wasn’t interested in getting custody. Watch her actual trial, the woman lies so much. Everything she could blame on Dan she did and if she couldn’t it was “that never happened “

[@anntwin1301]

Dan and Linda were total assholes to Betty! Betty worked 3-5 jobs to support Dan through med school and law school. She gave birth to a baby that died two days later at the hospital and Dan never visited. He dressed nice and dined with rich friends while they were still struggling and passed it off as “networking” and needing to dress the part while Betty and the kids were dressed in drags. Then he’s gonna screw her over through all his manipulative schemes before leaving her with nothing and that 16k alimony people keep talking about was only temporary. Linda kept writing nasty letters to taunt Betty about her age and weight too. Those two deserved what happened to them. The way Dan discarded Betty and never even allowed her to feel like she mattered, was the mother of his children… he just tossed her and refused all communication with her. She was beyond hurt. I think the yelling, calling to leave nasty voicemails and driving into his house was the only way she felt that she could slightly hurt them back because no matter what she did, she no longer mattered to Dan and she could no longer reach him. He just wouldn’t even talk to her and treat her like a human being. Had Dan not been so cruel in the he secretly plotted his divorce with her, I think she wouldn’t have become unhinged.

[@kittygirl_thetortie498]

Did she have those nannies and housekeeper throughout the time Dan was in medical school and law school too when they were living at poverty level depending on foodstamps?

[@jacquelinesento425]

They didn't start having money till 81 and he made it big in 1983 that's when they started living it up and he started his affair. Prior to that they struggled. She did not have nannies till way later and her kids were older and the youngest 5 or 6.

[@kenhaze5230]

Regardless of your situation or role in relationship conflict, or anything else, there's one rule of thumb to follow here that had either Betty or Dan followed, even if the other didn't, would probably have resulted in a better outcome for both: don't be vindictive. If you feel you've been wronged, keep the proverbial high ground by moving on and away from the other party, especially since you find them reprehensible anyway.

[@JillKirchner]

Much easier said than done.

[@annetteyoutube742]

Ken Haze,, I agree,, and especially if you have children: do *not* bring them into the arguments. These children were essentially used as pawns by Betty. And Linda should never have added her two cents worth.

[@KoreaMojo]

I agree with you and the replies here. It takes a certain disposition and state to come to the conclusion. If hate wasn't addictive Twitter and frankly the news would be almost non-existent. It's natural to want vindication when wronged. If I wasn't trying to be a Christian and thinking about what the sequelae of doing certain things would be, it'd be nearly impossible.

[@kat3871]

@@JillKirchner Well look what "easy" got her. I might take self control and a disengaging from ego but it can be done. It all boils down to self-respect and dignity. Oh and sanity.

[@greeneyeswideopen774]

What I never understood why her family didn't help her at the beginning of Broderick marriage? Where were her family when the marriage went sour?

[@cheriebenjamin0315]

From all that I’ve gathered in my research of the case Betty wasn’t the type to go to parents for help like that. It also seems her parents didn’t want to be involved.

[@lyndonmunn6377]

Exactly I have never understood why with all the money Dan had he didn't install a security system, alarms on doors and windows, cameras etc. It has never made sense to me, unless Dan was so sure of himself he didn't think Betty would do it but after all the stuff Betty did to his house and the children I would of felt obliged to keep my new bride and family safe so I can only think on some level Dan was enjoying it and enjoying hurting Betty. Also I agree I think their behaviours were in full swing before they separated. I don't think they were a good fit but he could of left sooner not wait till he made it then dump her but yes I think their relationship was already toxic.

[@dianeoh8795]

I don't think most people think their of - a person they've known 20 years - would commit murder. He also knew that he was the "golden goose" providing her with her extravagant lifestyle and monthly checks. We can't blame the victim.

[@fearnotiamwiththee]

Security in the home wasn't done back in the 1980s. It really wasn't

[@irenegriffin3050]

Great show! Love the discussions between the 3 of you. Definitely subscribed. :-)

[@HermunthrudaWaldheim]

But please, you guy in the middle, please, give the others some space! It's great, that you know lot, but you are a bunch of three. Don't try to dominate. You take advantage of the friendlyness of your colleages, and that's not fair. Not fair at all.

[@shirleysue228]

Lola, Agree, glad I'm not the only one to notice this.

[@sharee3135]

@@shirleysue228 I agree. He interrupts too often

[@Nottooserious69688]

I can’t stand it. He cannot listen without opening his beard. Can you imagine being counseled by him?!?

[@TheBrandewijn]

Congrats on the new channel Dr. Grande!

[@virginiarookecollingridge9422]

SO well done - but that dead animal around your man's neck is very distracting

[@judyglass9188]

🤪😂😂😂😂😂

[@candiceparr4174]

I think her dropping the kids off was like saying, you will find out how much work this is! Think you are going to live all responsibility free? But more than anything, it was we are your family, come home

[@anntwin1301]

Yup but sadly Dan just hired Nannies and then used that against her to gain custody! He’s evil

[@nicoles7800]

This was fantastic. I knew it would be good as soon as I saw Dr Grande. You were all really good. Please keep going! 🇦🇺

[@Nikki-sf6bs]

I am so excited for this new channel!

[@effiemcdonald1830]

Fantastic job guys! Really enjoyed your insights!

[@thelocalmaladroit8873]

Wow, guys! This was great! You discussed so many details. Sounds like Betty had her life and goals all planned out but he did not which may be more realistic. We all face challenges everyday that require adaptive behavior. Nothing is fixed in life except core values. We’re all “becoming” and in motion not static. Thanks again!

[@anntwin1301]

Dan and Linda were total assholes to Betty! Betty worked 3-5 jobs to support Dan through med school and law school. She gave birth to a baby that died two days later at the hospital and Dan never visited. He dressed nice and dined with rich friends while they were still struggling and passed it off as “networking” and needing to dress the part while Betty and the kids were dressed in drags. Then he’s gonna screw her over through all his manipulative schemes before leaving her with nothing and that 16k alimony people keep talking about was only temporary. Linda kept writing nasty letters to taunt Betty about her age and weight too. Those two deserved what happened to them. The way Dan discarded Betty and never even allowed her to feel like she mattered, was the mother of his children… he just tossed her and refused all communication with her. She was beyond hurt. I think the yelling, calling to leave nasty voicemails and driving into his house was the only way she felt that she could slightly hurt them back because no matter what she did, she no longer mattered to Dan and she could no longer reach him. He just wouldn’t even talk to her and treat her like a human being. Had Dan not been so cruel in the way he secretly plotted his divorce with her, I think she wouldn’t have become unhinged.

[@kittygirl_thetortie498]

Well said

[@hipatiadealejandria2452]

What I can not understand is why this poor woman was not released after 32 years in prison and being over 70 y.o. when much dangerous people go out on parole after a few years.

[@anntwin1301]

@@hipatiadealejandria2452 that’s because she wouldn’t express remorse for what she’s done. However, I really don’t think that she’s a danger to society. She was only a danger to Dan and Linda because they drove her to it.

[@chrisrenshaw6291]

False Betty is the problem

[@chrisrenshaw6291]

@@anntwin1301 false Betty is the problem

[@kraceynuemann8533]

I wonder if Dan was still occasionally having sex with Betty. She would've done it with him cause she loved him even tho she hated him. I've been the "Linda Kolkena " and I couldn't understand why she was still bothering us. Then I found out they were still having sex. I learned never to mess with married men or any man in a relationship real fast. A cheater is always going to cheat

[@chazzbranigaan9354]

This is the most women comment of all time. Takes part in ruining a marriage and makes it about how she's the victim. Lesson learned though 🤣

[@KoreaMojo]

I wonder if you ever felt empathy for her position? It's a wonder because knowing that she had a longer established relationship, presumably on clean terms, she may have had more capacity for strong emotion. Often people discard and devalue what they can't appreciate themselves due to limitations.

[@cbesthelper404]

She wanted everyone to feel that they deserved it just as she felt that they deserved it. Dan was wrong and arrogant. He underestimated her because he thought that she was powerless against him. Linda could have been a little empathetic too for all that he put Betty through. They were cruel to her and that fueled Betty's anger.

[@Youtubereplies]

Dan wanted and enjoyed Betty being a threat. He found this exciting. Dan enjoyed this possibility.

[@MaryLopez-bv7ks]

He was a creepy guy

[@leerdee]

Really enjoyed this stream. Thank you Dr.

[@Tina06019]

Dan Broderick was a cruel and nasty man and the definition of a user. And his wife Betty was completely off her rocker. It is never right to kill someone for humiliating you. Maybe Betty realized that Dan wouldn’t have given a damn if she killed herself, and that was too much for her. She wanted that revenge. (BTW, medical school is 4 years, not 3 years.)

[@nattyps3160]

Agreed. I've never heard of an ex husband using a " fining " system. He would get so petty the judge told him to knock it off. Linda was a bimbo fired for getting ripped at her stewardess job & sitting on guys Laps & taking some to the bathroom for some fun. So many complained. Dan also bought betty a house on his name & all the almonoy went to paying the house the car so it went back in his pocket. Murder is never OK but man do I empathize. She also lost a son after 4 days & Dan was off skiing. She had 4 more miscarriages & 4 kids so 9 pregnancies I bet betty had post partem that was never treated. I bet in 10 yrs Dan would have dumped Linda as she was not bright just young when she hit the wall Dan would have been out! Betty should have gotten the popcorn ready for that

[@irishrose3774]

She was a narcissist. They don't kill themselves because that's the only person they really love. The kids were used by her after the divorce to try & make Dan miserable & it backfired. People kept telling her to just move forward but she was vent on revenge. That's why she's going to be in prison until she dies.

[@giselleali1979]

I think to deny the affair, and keep playing the mind games escalated things. He should have just left instead of staying with his wife for years and having extra relations on the side, and Betty should have kept her kids and try to atleast move on. My take on her leaving the kids with Dan, she probably thought the father would have seen that he needed her and Linda was not suited to be a mother to their children and probably was only with him for his money. But it all backfired, which is why she should have made the kids her priority. Dan played a dirty game and ultimately paid the price but Betty threw her life away. Dont even get me started with Linda.

[@sheilatuano9633]

I agree. Dan was very cruel. He stringed along Betty for quite a while, having extra-marital affair with his mistress, Linda. Then, things went downhill on their marriage. It went downhill because Dan’s priority has changed. His mind was more on his paramour rather than on his wife and kids. As a lawyer, he took advantage of his knowledge of the law to divorce Betty, in order to marry his long suffering mistress. Betty was very much affronted and perhaps, inconsolable because after all, half of her life was dedicated to her husband and kids’ welfare and this is all what she gets for her sacrifice…being shoved down as if she is nothing. At this point, Betty was the injured party but the law was not able to protect her from injustice. During the early times of their marriage, she helped bring-in food on the table by working part-time as a salesperson of Tupperware while singlehandedly attending to her children’s affairs in order for Dan to concentrate on his studies. She may have also been the only parent looking after her growing children’s needs while Dan was purposely left-out off the hook to concentrate on his career. She allowed this to give way for Dan. And, then, look what Dan did? And, Linda? Well, she very much knew she stole a husband. She was the hidden mistress before Dan decided to divorce his wife Betty and their children, for her. Betty must have felt so abused and so hurt that she was not able to hold-back and retaliate the only way she could be heard…on the telephone which unfortunately was used by Dan against her in the court of law. Betty, at this time, really needs emotional support from good friends or family or even a professional therapist to help her get on with her life for the sake of her children. But, as it is, her own children were dragged-in on the vicious fight with no truce in site.

[@giselleali1979]

@@sheilatuano9633 Some situations are destined to end badly and this is one such case. I agreed with everything you said.

[@anntwin1301]

She left the kids at his house hoping that he’d realize how hard it is to raise them and that he’d come back to her and appreciate her. She raised them all and worked 3-5 jobs to support Dan through med school and then law school! Yet when she dropped off the kids he just hired Nannies and continued to enjoy life with Linda.

[@cheriebenjamin0315]

At some point though of him denying the affair and the reality showing otherwise she should’ve started plotting her own way out instead. I have no doubt the denial was wrenching but after the first 6 months of him doing it and then it going into years, leave. He clearly has checked out and you should too.

[@KoreaMojo]

I agree.

[@LittleImpaler]

Also a lot lawyers didn't want to work with her, because she was extremely difficult to work with. She kept breaking the rules. I have no sympathy for none of them. They are both adults. They made their choices. She wasn't an angel and her husband wasn't great. She went crazy, because of her upbringing. She should have moved on, concerted on her kids. Dan, would have done the same thing to Linda. She was also raised Catholic. But at the end of day she killed two people.

[@kimessex4011]

GOOD, FREE BETTY, TEAM BETTY👍

[@dianeoh8795]

@@kimessex4011 if you think it's good that 2 people were killed in the prime of their lives, something is wrong with you. You may agree that Betty got the shaft and dislike Dan and Linda based on what you know, but all people are flawed, They didn't deserve to be killed in their sleep. Betty ruined countless lives - not just Dan and Linda's - but their family, friends, and children's - not to mention her own. There's no victory for "team Betty!"

[@sandranorman5469]

Is it true that when Dan hired Linda that she couldn’t even type?

[@therealdeal3672]

Great podcast and banter and tangents!

[@christinley5213]

Im having a good time with this:) its nice to see more of the doc .. all 3 of uns:) the back to the furure thing needs to happin.. great idia!!:)

[@Jj443re]

disturbing and very fascinating. Looking forward to #2.

[@michaellehman8583]

If Dan and Linda had lived, I feel sure that he would have left her for a younger woman by the time she turned forty. By then, Dan would have been a fifty seven year old man who was very wealthy so he would've had no trouble finding another twenty eight year old gold digging young woman who would have been willing to marry him. Betty would have done well to leave Dan and Linda alone and let life take care of them.

[@kelliearnold8498]

Very interesting. Great job guys. This is my first time watching your podcast.

[@joannaradacina2585]

I enjoyed your show! Every decision carries a consequence..... It was murder 1 Bought a gun, stole the keys, walked on 2 sleeping people and killed them. It was never about committing suicide, it was about revenge. Her son's pleading tape to his mom to stop her crazy behavior is heartbreaking.

[@gmjsimmons]

Fascinating. I will likely listen to the whole series. The panel did their homework and presented pieces of evidence that the impacted the direction of the discussion.

[@clarebellgrace7294]

Excellent podcast. Glad I've found it.

[@CheyennefromTaos]

Dr Grande. Susan Smith is the ex-wife of my nephew, David. When I watched ur comments on her case, I wish we could hv talked before u presented that analysis. My insights as a family member and a mental health therapist myself might hv been helpful. 💎 PS. I enjoyed this show with ur buddies.

[@debbiegum2226]

Cheyenne- so sorry you and your family had to live through that tragedy

[@Spiralyne]

Tragic story...:( Thanks for bringing it up!

[@floraposteschild4184]

Yeah, maybe Dan didn't know what he was doing when he hired that 21-year-old receptionist. Sure, sure.

[@kimessex4011]

I AGREE WITH YOU 1MILLION PERCENT 😌

[@bg6364]

Right?? He hired her for one reason and one reason only.

[@kraceynuemann8533]

I'm super excited about listening to hear what the panel has to say

[@cerveza2297]

Just got here. This story fascinates me.

[@mentalhealthnrse]

I truly believe the only innocent victims in this was Linda who would’ve found out what it was like to be married to a narcissist, and the children. Betty and Daniel were two horrible, entitled people who constantly provoked one another, upping the ante at every opportunity until it led to what was probably the most likely outcome. They each wanted to destroy the other, neither one willing to give an inch or back down, what else could’ve come from a situation like this?

[@andreasolis85]

Only innocents were the children, Linda did steal someone else's husband, she was no innocent

[@Dalasjanetluv]

Linda was no victim…. She knew he was married …

[@dianeoh8795]

great analysis

[@lauraburger1272]

I don’t think you meant to do this but you stated a lot of disparaging actions that Betty took against Dan like going over and breaking his things and stealing some things that probably belonged to her anyway but whatever, you didn’t mention all of the actions that Dan took you didn’t mention all of the shitty crappy awful mind fucks that Dan did. you said that she admitted to the killing because she wanted everyone to know that she killed him because of some thing I don’t remember what you said but the reason why she wanted everyone to know is because it was the truth and also she wanted everyone to know what a terrible person Dan was Dan was a narcissistic MFer. And this abuse by Dan started before they got a divorce he was a narcissist and terrible to her all during his marriage to her.

[@LittleImpaler]

Two wrongs doesn't make right. Doesn't matter if the things were hers or not. You can't break someone else's house. Including your ex. And you don't break into someone's house to smear cake all over your ex's clothes. They were both awful. I don't understand why people think it's ok for her to do what she done.

[@maMillamusic]

She felt relieved she did it. He destroyed her life love dignity ... she felt it was justice... she did what good gif her .. she is doing great in prison. Prison is a holiday for her compared what she was going through...

[@bunmitella9672]

This is wat they dnt seem to have picked up on. The people who knew her said she was a good person. Yet she really isn’t sorry. Betty sounds like she didn’t have a “feminine” personality. This seems to be her real offense. She fought back with the vn’s and tresspassing and that has made it difficult for people to see her as a victim. The assumption that its just jealousy is so lazy. This man fucked her over but instead of being amicable he was being an asshole and making her look insane. Its Dans behavior that should be studied not Bettys.

[@geniewang1242]

Free Betty Broderick

[@hipatiadealejandria2452]

The problem in these cases is the fact that having children as a connection and as a living reminder of what the guy and the new wife were doing she could not get rid of his presence, not even going to another state or even country. She had to "dissapear " him from her head. And what a luck there were not social media at the time. I totally believe, and so did the judges, that she went to the house to kill him. Life was unbereable for her with him and his "happy new life" in the picture all the time.

[@antoniobranch]

"EMOTIONALLY. SHE WAS ALREADY IN PRISON."

[@stephaniehell3462]

Excellent! Esp all the Delorean references. That really tied it all together for me. 😆

[@helpyourcattodrive]

Dan was reckless.

[@haintedhouse2990]

and Betty was Mother Theresa??

[@jessicamuniz9761]

@@haintedhouse2990 no.. but treating her the way he did after she was there for him and helped him thru everything and he just threw her away... 💔

[@haintedhouse2990]

@@jessicamuniz9761 they both treated each other terribly, each with their own hidden agendas. just once i'd love to hear the other voice involved in this train wreck.

[@kittygirl_thetortie498]

More like sadistic and narcissistic

[@1happypiranha]

Just started watching your new channel! 🌵Question for you: Will your podcasts be put on Spotify? That would be really nice if you could! ☺️👍

[@Olive131]

First time I listened to this podcast. Nice job you guys!

[@meandyouthroughandthrough]

Beardy dude (hey which is lovely). But, you're talking over the other two hosts. Frustrating.

[@jenniferrock1585]

Everytime Dr. Grade speaks beard takes over & makes statements

[@LadyOfMaine]

You missed the part where Betty wore thrift store clothing while her husband was known as “Dapper Dan” in law school.

[@missmodern]

:0

[@annakatariina1276]

Thank you for interesting discussions 👏

[@thesongbird2383]

Dr. Grande, et al, this is my first listen to a Bella Grande podcast.. very cool format with Mike & Jim. I loved the fact that ya'll don't talk over each other. I'll be back for more. 👍💜🌵🎶

[@rscbmr1023]

TIP: Since this is #1 you should introduce your cohosts, I don't know if others know who these people are but as a new subscriber to your other channel I've only seen you. Do you just know them? Are they your friends? Are they fellow psychologists? Do they have their own channels? Please share. Thank you

[@jpincinjr]

Appreciate you watching! Mike and I are also licensed clinical counselors and were students of Dr. Grande. We both work in private practice. Mike has a podcast he recently started called Diagnose This! but I'm not sure the best way to access it. We made an introduction video, but it got messed up and another one should be up soon. This is something we hope to address perhaps in each episode.

[@mricy4033]

I'm pretty sure alcohol DID probably play a part in this. It was mentioned that maybe she should have just resorted to alcoholism, but from what I've gathered, they were both drinkers. Which in turn intensifies mental health disorders and manic episodes.

[@debbiegum2226]

@Mrlcy I’ve thought the same thing as far as whether she was an alcoholic

[@jacquelinesento425]

I don't think she was a drinker her kids would have testified to that and no one in this entire case said Betty had a drinking problem. I'm sure that would have been brought up in court. I watched the trial and that was never mentioned

[@helpyourcattodrive]

Sounds like all the wrestlers w John DuPont thinking he would never hurt them as he ran around w guns and doped up all over the property.

[@karentracey9948]

Think Im bingewatching your shows now!!

[@kathypierce3879]

Betty husband drove her crazy and this can happen when someone breaks your marriage .I can understand how Betty felt and she should not get life in prison because her husband put her through hell .

[@gerrilagrange1290]

So did Linda please listen to the opening statements for Betty Broderick Linda also did hateful things! They were cruel making Betty go crazy. He and Linda both Demonds

[@haintedhouse2990]

@@gerrilagrange1290 they didn't make Betty go crazy. the Brodericks marriage was in trouble years before Linda came along. also for over 30 years we've only heard one side of the story. as far as her extended stay in prison, she could show some authentic remorse (parole boards are big on apologies) but she won't do it. she can't even fake it for the sake of her children and grand-kids. a real piece of work.

[@dianeoh8795]

what'a the appropriate sentence for double murder of two people who are asleep in their beds? Life in prison is a gift - she could've got the death penalty.

[@dianeoh8795]

@@haintedhouse2990 EXACTLY

[@auntielaura5]

Dr. Grande - you have referred to this as a podcast, but it is not available on Apple podcast ap. 🥺. I hope that changes, because that ap uses a lot less battery than youtube. Other than that, I find the conversation format very engaging and I wish you luck in this project!

[@jenniferrock1585]

Beard wants his know- it - all presence known

[@HermunthrudaWaldheim]

This Dan guy really Was the narcissist, and it could be that he forced her to live in coertion. He took advantage of her, while was still in education. He seperated her from her family. He tried to destroy her character in public. She couldn't find a lawyer for her divorce, because of him. When he didn't need her anymore he exchanged her für a younger woman, who also must be a despicable Person. Both got, what they deserved, when Beth shot them. Beth is a heroine!

[@anntwin1301]

Agreed! Dan and Linda were total assholes to Betty! Betty worked 3-5 jobs to support Dan through med school and law school. She gave birth to a baby that died two days later at the hospital and Dan never visited. He dressed nice and dined with rich friends while they were still struggling and passed it off as “networking” and needing to dress the part while Betty and the kids were dressed in drags. Then he’s gonna screw her over through all his manipulative schemes before leaving her with nothing and that 16k alimony people keep talking about was only temporary. Linda kept writing nasty letters to taunt Betty about her age and weight too. Those two deserved what happened to them. The way Dan discarded Betty and never even allowed her to feel like she mattered, was the mother of his children… he just tossed her and refused all communication with her. She was beyond hurt. I think the yelling, calling to leave nasty voicemails and driving into his house was the only way she felt that she could slightly hurt them back because no matter what she did, she no longer mattered to Dan and she could no longer reach him. He just wouldn’t even talk to her and treat her like a human being. Had Dan not been so cruel in the he secretly plotted his divorce with her, I think she wouldn’t have become unhinged.

[@cheriebenjamin0315]

@@anntwin1301 He left her. It’s terrible how he did it but he did. But based upon majority of the evidence the writing was on the wall for awhile. She should’ve played chess not checkers. Also she shot herself in the foot when he was voluntarily giving her support and instead of taking the money and stacking it up and investing it she kept letting her emotions get in the way and he was able to deduct it. She became so obsessed with trying to get him to validate her instead of validating herself that she screwed herself in the end. Im not saying I don’t understand the pain but honestly when you’re that hurt there was no amount of sorry and money he could’ve given her that would have made a difference.

[@noragelineau3490]

Leopards don’t change their spots. I wonder if Mr Broderick might have treated Linda the same way he treated Betty after time goes by. His behavior was as bad as Betty’s. It was the perfect storm. If Dan thought about his children and had respect for their mother, Betty the outcome might have been different. Leopards don’t change their spots.

[@SY-ok2dq]

People seem to assume that Dan would have been the one leaving Linda, or cheating, and not the other way around. According to some things I read, Linda reportedly had been seeing another man, younger than Dan and apparently someone she dated before. I'm not sure if that's the case. But Linda actually stood to benefit financially and personally by sticking with Dan a while, having a child or two, and then getting a divorce and surely a very handsome divorce settlement and alimony for the kids - and she'd still be young enough to find another man, and with money behind her so as not to be too concerned about her future husband having a high income or net worth. Again, I'm not sure if this is fact or not, but I've read comments that co-workers of Linda had said that Linda talked about getting married to a guy with money, and that she'd previously dated older men with money, and that Linda had a kind of gold digger reputation. These are just things I've read so I would have to dig further to verify that. Nevertheless, Linda might have become the one to cheat and get a divorce, pocket a lot of money, and move on to another guy. I mean stuff like that does happen.

[@missmodern]

@@SY-ok2dq Yes, like Amber Heard.

[@lynnemarkgraf8689]

As usual, your analysis is fascinating just like this case. Toxic people involved in toxic provocation and reactions.

[@angelamwatts]

I am a woman who was raised in an old fashioned Italian, very religious Catholic family which is a bit similar to Betty's upbringing. In my opinion, a major factor in the Broderick case was the fact that Betty had 2 abortions, the first being in 1975. These two events alone would trigger massive shame for Betty and scandal towards her family. The Catholic church is vehemently against abortion but they do offer forgiveness and healing therapy. Betty may have gotten the abortions as a way of expressing her anger at Dan for being emotionally unavailable towards her. Attorneys tend to be very objective and flat when it comes to expressing feelings and emotions. They both needed mental health treatment way back in the 1970s. Betty's rage didn't happen overnight. That came from years of stored anger and resentment. I don't believe that Betty truly loved Dan. She, herself belittled him calling him a nerd, a-hole, etc in front of people. I also think that she felt trapped in the marriage as she spoke of divorce many times. People say that she was a loving mother but I find that hard to believe based on her behavior. I would say that Dan was emotionally unavailable. He was not living in reality. He thought that by giving Betty the affluent life that they both worked so hard for would make the marriage a success. Unfortunately, that's not how relationships and marriage work. A marriage needs nuturing. Dad needs to put his family above work and mom needs to work with dad to keep a home. It takes effort on both part. They might have had a better chance had they had waited until AFTER he finished his education and was established before starting a family. Children put a lot of stress on a marriage because they need a lot of care. Had they waited, Betty could have focused on her life, her career and her dreams. Instead it was all about Dan pursuing his career and achieving his goals and Betty being his Mrs. That was her only goal which is extremely unhealthy. This tragedy is a cautionary tale. Never lose your own identity by building someone else up. Young women should learn to take care of themselves first and be very selective on the mate that they choose. In other words, had it been me, I would have said to Dan on the day when they first met "I see that you're a future medical doctor. That's very impressive, why don't you give me a call after you've graduated and are ready for a relationship. I'm no Barbara the builder, bye."

[@HappeningsatLamgoFarms]

The fact that Dan couldn’t even commit to his career as a medical doctor shows that he struggled with commitment altogether. Time would have shown he probably would have eventually walked out on Linda as well.