Jill Biden's Ex-Husband Charged with Murder of Wife

Bill Stevenson, 77, held on $2 million cash bail in death of Linda Stevenson, his wife of nearly 40 years

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Police and prosecutors have provided few details about the murder case against Bill Stevenson, the ex-husband of former first lady Jill Biden, who is charged with killing his wife Linda at their home near Elsmere, Delaware on December 28. Stevenson, a well-known figure in Delaware who once owned a popular college bar, is being held on $2 million cash bail as authorities claim he 'intentionally caused the death' of his wife of nearly 40 years.

Why it matters

The high-profile nature of the case, given Stevenson's connection to Jill Biden, has drawn nationwide media attention, but authorities have been tightlipped about the details of the investigation and evidence. The lack of transparency has frustrated Linda Stevenson's daughter, who is seeking justice for her mother's 'murder' and wants her mother's legacy to be the focus, not her killer's past.

The details

Police were called to the Stevenson home on December 28 for a 'reported domestic dispute' and found 64-year-old Linda Stevenson 'unresponsive' on the living room floor. She was pronounced dead the next day, but the cause of death has not been released. Bill Stevenson was arrested on February 2 and charged with first-degree murder, but authorities have not filed a public arrest affidavit detailing the evidence against him. Instead, they obtained a grand jury indictment that simply alleges Stevenson 'intentionally caused the death' of his wife.

  • On December 28, police were called to the Stevenson home for a reported domestic dispute.
  • On December 29, Linda Stevenson was pronounced dead.
  • On February 2, Bill Stevenson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
  • On February 3, authorities announced Stevenson's arrest.
  • On February 5, Stevenson's bail was increased to $2 million cash.

The players

Bill Stevenson

The 77-year-old ex-husband of Jill Biden who is charged with the murder of his wife of nearly 40 years, Linda Stevenson.

Linda Stevenson

The 64-year-old wife of Bill Stevenson who was found unresponsive in their home and later pronounced dead on December 29.

Christina Vettori

The daughter of Linda Stevenson from a previous relationship, who is seeking justice for her mother's 'murder' and wants her mother's legacy to be the focus, not her killer's past.

Jenna Milecki

The prosecutor who successfully argued to increase Bill Stevenson's bail to $2 million cash, citing the 'severity of the crime' and considering him a 'flight risk'.

Lynne Parker

The Superior Court Commissioner who ordered Bill Stevenson to be held on $2 million cash bail.

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What they’re saying

“The pain of losing her is paralyzing and the emptiness in my heart is an abyss. Most days I can barely breathe. For those who knew her, I'm sorry for the light that was stolen from you too. Together we will honor her memory by seeking justice for her murder and never letting her legacy to be overshadowed by her murderer.”

— Christina Vettori, Linda Stevenson's daughter (Facebook)

“I have had a month to think. Yes, my life has changed forever, but then I realized over my life, I have read your comments, I have felt sadness, and happiness for you. You know I have prayed for you, and your families. But then I realized so many of you have partied with Linda and me. For decades, Linda had shared our lives with all of you. You all know she was amazing, as I know your losses, were amazing too. Thank you all for your prayers. Thank you for sharing our lives together, I will always, Love you all. If you see me out, don't be shy, say Hi, I'll share a hug with you. Linda will feel it too.”

— Bill Stevenson (Facebook)

What’s next

The judge in the case will schedule a case review and set a trial date for Bill Stevenson.

The takeaway

This high-profile murder case has raised questions about the lack of transparency from authorities and the frustration of the victim's family, who want the focus to be on honoring Linda Stevenson's memory rather than her ex-husband's past connection to the current first lady. The case highlights the challenges of balancing public interest with the need for a fair judicial process.