Jill Biden’s Ex-Husband Charged in Murder of His Current Wife

 

Jill Biden’s Ex-Husband Charged in Murder of His Current Wife

An in-depth look at the arrest, investigation, and broader context of the case involving William “Bill” Stevenson

Overview

On February 2, 2026, William W. “Bill” Stevenson, the former husband of U.S. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, was indicted on first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson.

The case has drawn widespread media attention — in part because of Stevenson’s past marriage to Jill Biden, decades before she became first lady — but at its core it involves a tragic death, a criminal investigation, and a pending prosecution under Delaware law.

Key Facts of the Case

Who Is William Stevenson?

William W. “Bill” Stevenson, age 77, is a longtime Delaware resident and businessman. He was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975, long before her later marriage to future U.S. President Joe Biden.

After his divorce from Jill Biden, Stevenson went on to run local businesses in Delaware, including owning the Stone Balloon — a well-known music venue near the University of Delaware.

In the years since, he lived a relatively private life, marrying Linda Stevenson in the mid-1980s. The couple lived in Wilmington, Delaware, where the recent incident occurred.

The Incident and Death of Linda Stevenson

On December 28, 2025, New Castle County Police in Delaware responded to a 911 call about a domestic dispute at the Stevensons’ home in the Oak Hill neighborhood of Wilmington, just before midnight.

Upon arrival, responding officers found 64-year-old Linda Stevenson unresponsive in the living room. Despite life-saving measures by first responders, she was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Police later confirmed that Stevenson himself placed the call to emergency services and cooperated with law enforcement at the scene.

At the time, initial reports treated the incident as a domestic disturbance, and no immediate charges were filed. An autopsy was later completed by the Delaware Division of Forensic Science to determine the manner and cause of Linda’s death — a preliminary step in any suspicious death investigation.

Investigation and Murder Charge

After a weeks-long investigation, authorities obtained a grand jury indictment charging Stevenson with first-degree murder, the most serious level of homicide charge under Delaware law.

Stevenson was taken into custody at his home without incident on February 2, 2026, and was arraigned in court.

He remains detained at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington after failing to post $500,000 bail.

At the arraignment, prosecutors formally presented the indictment. Stevenson has entered a plea of not guilty and remains entitled to due-process rights as the case moves forward.

Police and prosecutors have not publicly disclosed the detailed factual basis for the murder charge, including whether forensic evidence tied Stevenson directly to Linda’s death. These details are typically revealed later in discovery or during a trial.

The Legal Process Ahead

First-Degree Murder Charge

In Delaware, a first-degree murder charge means prosecutors believe the defendant intentionally caused the death of another person with malice aforethought — a severe accusation that, if convicted, carries the harshest penalties in state criminal law, potentially including life in prison without parole.

Unlike lesser homicide charges (such as second-degree murder or manslaughter), first-degree murder requires proof that the defendant acted with intent or premeditation. Prosecutors will have to present evidence sufficient to meet that high legal threshold.

Stevenson’s defense team is expected to contest the charges and may seek to reduce or dismiss them — potentially arguing alternative causes of death, lack of intent, or insufficient evidence.

Bail and Custody Status

Stevenson’s inability to post the $500,000 bail means he remains in custody while the case unfolds, a decision often influenced by factors like the severity of the charges, flight risk, or danger to the community.

His ongoing detention also ensures that a full investigation continues while key physical and testimonial evidence remains secure.

Possible Outcomes

Depending on the strength of evidence and legal strategy of both sides, the case could proceed to:

Trial before a jury, where prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt;

Plea negotiations, where Stevenson could agree to plead guilty to a lesser offense in exchange for a reduced sentence;

Dismissal of charges, if the defense successfully challenges the indictment or evidence.

At this stage, no trial date has been publicly announced.

Profiles: The People Involved

Linda Stevenson

Linda Stevenson, age 64, was described in reports as a bookkeeper, mother, grandmother, and a community member in Wilmington.

Her obituary emphasized her love for family and her role as a Philadelphia Eagles fan, and she was remembered by relatives and friends for her warmth and dedication to her loved ones.

Her death has left her extended family — including adult children and grandchildren — grieving, and public reactions from relatives have been strong, with calls for justice.

Jill Biden

Dr. Jill Biden, now the former First Lady of the United States, was married to Stevenson from 1970 until their divorce in 1975.

She later married Joe Biden, who served as President from January 2021 to January 2025. In response to this case, Jill Biden has declined to comment publicly on the charges against her ex-husband.

While her connection brings national media attention, officials and journalists emphasize that Jill Biden is not implicated in the crime and has no involvement in the investigation or prosecution.

Public and Media Reaction

National Coverage

The story has been widely reported by national news outlets, generating extensive public commentary because of Stevenson’s connection to a prominent public figure.

Coverage has included basic factual reports from outlets like CBS, ABC, and People magazine, emphasizing the indictment and charge details without editorializing Jill Biden’s role.

Community Response

Locally in Wilmington, residents expressed shock at the news of the indictment, especially given that the alleged crime occurred in a quiet residential neighborhood.

Some media reports have featured statements from relatives of Linda Stevenson demanding justice, framing the case as one of domestic violence resulting in loss of life.

Law enforcement officials have reiterated that domestic violence and intimate partner homicide are serious public safety issues, and this case will be handled with rigor by prosecutors.

Political and Social Commentary

Given the high-profile name attached to the suspect, political commentary has surfaced in some forums and social media. However, legal analysts caution against conflating Stevenson’s actions with Jill Biden or her political career.

Most reputable coverage notes that Stevenson’s marriage to Jill Biden ended decades ago, and there is no evidence the former first lady had knowledge of or involvement in his alleged criminal actions.

Domestic Violence and the Criminal Justice System

This case also highlights larger discussions about domestic violence, particularly among older couples and in long-term relationships.

While the majority of domestic violence cases involve current or recent partners, intimate partner homicide can occur in marriages of any duration, and police responses to domestic calls often serve as the first step in investigation.

Experts say:

Early intervention and support services can help prevent violence escalation.

Law enforcement training in recognizing signs of domestic abuse can be crucial.

Prosecutors and courts play a key role in protecting victims and ensuring accountability.

The Stevenson case is likely to be studied in academic and legal circles for how investigators reconstruct events from preliminary reports of a domestic disturbance to a murder indictment.

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Reporting

There are also important media ethics questions in how the press reports on high-profile individuals’ connections to crimes they are not accused of.

Journalists must balance public interest with fair representation — reporting known facts without unfairly implying guilt by association.

For example, Stevenson’s past marriage to Jill Biden is a factual part of his biography, but it should not overshadow the essential facts about the victim, the charges, and the legal process.

Conclusion

The indictment of William “Bill” Stevenson on first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson, represents a tragic and serious criminal case that has gained additional attention because of Stevenson’s past marriage to Jill Biden.

As the legal process unfolds, key questions remain:

What evidence will prosecutors present at trial?

Will Stevenson’s defense challenge the sufficiency of that evidence?

How will the courts balance public interest with fairness in adjudication?

Ultimately, the case underscores the devastating impacts of intimate partner violence and the importance of careful, thorough investigation and prosecution in cases involving loss of life.