Delaware Man Charged in Wife's Killing, Previously Married to Jill Biden

William Stevenson, 77, held without bail after being indicted for first-degree murder of his wife, Linda Stevenson, 64.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:31pm

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A Delaware man who was briefly married to former first lady Jill Biden decades ago has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson. William Stevenson, 77, remains in jail after failing to post $500,000 bail, as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding his wife's death on December 28.

Why it matters

The case has drawn attention due to Stevenson's previous marriage to Jill Biden, the wife of former U.S. President Joe Biden. The Bidens have declined to comment on the situation, but the charges against Stevenson raise questions about his past and the potential connections to the high-profile political family.

The details

Police were called to the couple's Wilmington home on December 28 for a reported domestic dispute and found Linda Stevenson unresponsive in the living room. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful. Stevenson was charged following a weekslong investigation by the Delaware Department of Justice, but a motive has not been disclosed.

  • On December 28, police were called to the Stevenson home for a reported domestic dispute.
  • On February 4, 2026, Stevenson was charged with first-degree murder in a grand jury indictment.

The players

William Stevenson

A 77-year-old Delaware man who was briefly married to former first lady Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975. He has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson.

Linda Stevenson

The 64-year-old wife of William Stevenson, who was found unresponsive in their Wilmington home on December 28 and later died.

Jill Biden

The former first lady of the United States, who was briefly married to William Stevenson in the 1970s before marrying U.S. President Joe Biden in 1977.

Joe Biden

The former U.S. President, who was married to Jill Biden from 1977 until the end of his presidency in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“In a 2024 interview with the conservative outlet Newsmax, Stevenson criticized Jill Biden and described their divorce as contentious, calling her 'bitter' and 'nasty.'”

— William Stevenson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow William Stevenson out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex personal history of those connected to high-profile political figures, and raises questions about the potential impact of past relationships on present-day events.