Jill Biden's ex-husband pleads not guilty to murdering wife

William Stevenson, who was briefly married to the former First Lady decades ago, is facing a first-degree murder charge.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The ex-husband of former First Lady Jill Biden, William Stevenson, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson. Linda was found unresponsive in the couple's Wilmington, Delaware home in late December, and Stevenson was arrested following a weeks-long investigation. Few details have been provided about the case, including Linda's cause of death and the alleged motive.

Why it matters

The case has drawn attention due to Stevenson's brief marriage to Jill Biden in the 1970s, before she went on to marry President Joe Biden. The former First Lady has not publicly commented on the murder case involving her ex-husband.

The details

Stevenson, 77, made the initial 911 call and was present when police arrived at the home on December 28. Linda Stevenson was pronounced dead at the scene despite first responders' efforts to revive her. Stevenson was arrested on February 3 and has been held on $500,000 bond since then. The investigation into Linda's death is still ongoing, and her cause of death has not been released.

  • On December 28, 2025, police responded to a call at the Stevenson home and found Linda Stevenson unresponsive.
  • On February 3, 2026, William Stevenson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
  • On February 17, 2026, Stevenson pleaded not guilty to the murder charge during a virtual court appearance.

The players

William Stevenson

The ex-husband of former First Lady Jill Biden, who is facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson.

Linda Stevenson

William Stevenson's wife, who was found unresponsive in the couple's home in Wilmington, Delaware and later pronounced dead.

Jill Biden

The former First Lady of the United States, who was briefly married to William Stevenson in the 1970s before marrying President Joe Biden.

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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 case has drawn attention due to William Stevenson's brief marriage to Jill Biden decades ago, before she went on to marry President Joe Biden. The former First Lady has not publicly commented on the murder case involving her ex-husband, which is still under investigation.