Delaware Man Married to Former First Lady Jill Biden in 1970s Charged with Wife's Murder

William Stevenson, 77, expected to enter plea in first-degree murder case of his current wife Linda Stevenson, 64.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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William Stevenson, who was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975, is set to appear in court in Delaware on charges that he killed his current wife, Linda Stevenson. Stevenson, 77, is expected to enter a plea in the first-degree murder case after Linda Stevenson, 64, was found unresponsive at their home on December 28. Stevenson has remained in custody since the February 3 charges, unable to post the $500,000 bail.

Why it matters

This case involves a former spouse of a high-profile political figure, Jill Biden, who is the wife of former U.S. President Joe Biden. It raises questions about domestic violence, mental health, and the lasting impacts of past relationships on individuals and families.

The details

According to court records, a state grand jury charged William Stevenson with first-degree murder in the death of his current wife, Linda Stevenson. Linda Stevenson, 64, was found unresponsive at the couple's home on December 28. Stevenson has been in custody since the February 3 charges, unable to post the $500,000 bail. The case has not yet listed a defense lawyer for Stevenson.

  • On December 28, Linda Stevenson was found unresponsive at the couple's home.
  • On February 3, a state grand jury charged William Stevenson with first-degree murder.

The players

William Stevenson

A 77-year-old man who was previously married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975, and is now charged with the first-degree murder of his current wife, Linda Stevenson.

Linda Stevenson

William Stevenson's 64-year-old current wife who was found unresponsive at their home on December 28 and is the victim in this first-degree murder case.

Jill Biden

The former first lady of the United States, who was married to William Stevenson from 1970 to 1975.

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What they’re saying

“'One hug from her and all your worries would disappear. The pain of losing her is paralyzing and the emptiness in my heart is an abyss.'”

— Christine Mae, Linda Stevenson's daughter (Facebook)

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 tragic case highlights the lasting impacts that past relationships and domestic issues can have on individuals and families, even decades later. It raises important questions about mental health, domestic violence, and the challenges faced by those connected to high-profile public figures.