Jill Biden’s Ex-Husband William Charged With Murder of His Wife

William “Bill” Stevenson, the first husband of former first lady Dr. Jill Biden, has been formally charged with murder in connection with the death of his second wife, local authorities in Delaware confirmed in early February 2026. The indictment comes after a late-December domestic dispute at the couple’s home in Wilmington, where his wife was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead.

The Biden Murder Charge and Arrest

On February 2, 2026, a grand jury in New Castle County, Delaware, returned an indictment against Stevenson, 77, charging him with first-degree murder in the death of his 64-year-old wife, Linda Stevenson.

Police and prosecutors say the charge stems from an incident on December 28, 2025, when officers responded to a 911 call for a reported domestic dispute at the couple’s home in the Oak Hill neighbourhood of Wilmington. Upon entering, officers found Linda unresponsive in the living room; despite life-saving efforts, she was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Stevenson was arrested without incident at his home and was arraigned after the indictment. Because he failed to post $500,000 bail, he remains incarcerated at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Delaware.

Officials have not publicly released details about the specific evidence that led to the indictment or the medical findings from an autopsy, which is typically conducted by the Delaware Division of Forensic Science.

Who Was Linda Stevenson?

Linda Stevenson was found unresponsive in her home on the night of December 28 after the police response to the domestic dispute. Local news reports and her obituary describe her as a mother, grandmother and small business owner, and highlight her family-oriented nature and love for activities such as supporting the Philadelphia Eagles.

Her obituary notably did not mention her husband, a detail that drew attention from some community members and was referenced in a now-deleted Facebook post questioning his absence from the tribute.

William “Bill” Stevenson — Background and Ties to Jill Biden

Stevenson and Jill Biden, then known as Jill Jacobs, met while students at the University of Delaware. They married in 1970 when she was 18 and divorced in 1975, a few years before she married then-Senator Joe Biden in 1977.

After their divorce, Stevenson founded a music venue called The Stone Balloon in Newark, Delaware, which became known for hosting notable acts and built a local reputation over decades.

Stevenson later married Linda Stevenson, and the couple had been together for more than 30 years until her death.

Over the years, Stevenson occasionally made headlines for personal commentary about his past marriage to Jill Biden, including unverified remarks about her relationship with Joe Biden — but none of these were evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

Political Figures and Public Reaction

While the case involves a figure historically connected to a high-profile political family, officials from both the Bidens’ office and relevant political circles have declined to comment publicly on the murder charge. Stevenson’s indictment stems from law enforcement and prosecutorial action alone.

Given the age of the former marriage — more than five decades ago — many commentators and observers note that the case is a criminal matter involving two private citizens, albeit one with a notable historical connection. Reaction online has ranged from shock and calls for justice for Linda Stevenson to reminders that the case should not be conflated with the current Biden family’s political legacy.

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