Broderick Labeled ‘Evil Monster’ in Bail Hearing

Calling Elisabeth Anne (Betty) Broderick an “evil monster,” her ex-husband’s brother urged a San Diego Superior Court judge Thursday to deny bail to the La Jolla socialite.

If Betty Broderick--who stands accused of murdering her ex-husband and his new wife--is freed on bail, she is likely to contact her two sons, the younger two of her four children, which would “destroy them emotionally,” said Larry Broderick, a Denver-area forest products executive.

Larry Broderick also claimed at a brief hearing Thursday that Betty Broderick has threatened him and the two boys--who now live with his ex-wife in Colorado--with physical harm. He said Betty Broderick is an “evil monster in a harmless-looking package who will murder again if given an opportunity.”

San Diego Superior Court Judge Thomas Whelan put off a decision on bail until next Tuesday.

Betty Broderick, 43, who did not speak at Thursday’s hearing, faces two counts of murder in the Nov. 5, 1989 shooting deaths of her ex-husband, Daniel T. Broderick III, and his new wife, Linda Kolkena Broderick.

After a monthlong trial, a San Diego Superior Court jury announced Nov. 20 that they were deadlocked, 10 for murder, two for manslaughter. Prosecutors have indicated that Betty Broderick will be tried again.

Defense lawyer Jack Earley argued at Thursday’s hearing that Betty Broderick should not face first-degree murder charges at a second trial because jurors told him they had decided against that charge.

To lodge first-degree charges again would violate the guarantee against double jeopardy, Earley contended.

Whelan put off deciding that unusual request until next Tuesday, too.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Kerry Wells, the prosecutor in the case, said Tuesday that she would oppose any reduction in charges or bail for Betty Broderick.