Delaware Man Married to Former First Lady Jill Biden in 1970s Pleads Not Guilty in Wife's Death

William Stevenson, 77, was charged with killing his current wife Linda Stevenson, 64, in their Wilmington home.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The long-ago first husband of former first lady Jill Biden pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges he killed his current wife in Delaware. William Stevenson, 77, was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975 and was charged with murdering his 64-year-old wife Linda Stevenson, who was found unresponsive at their Wilmington home on December 28.

Why it matters

The case has drawn attention due to Stevenson's prior marriage to Jill Biden, who went on to become the First Lady of the United States. While the two have not been connected in decades, the high-profile nature of Jill Biden's role has increased scrutiny on the case.

The details

Stevenson was charged with murder and has remained in custody since February 3 after a state grand jury indicted him. His lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf during a court hearing on Tuesday. Linda Stevenson ran a bookkeeping business and was described as a family-oriented mother and grandmother in her obituary, which did not mention her husband.

  • On December 28, Linda Stevenson was found unresponsive at the couple's Wilmington home.
  • On February 3, William Stevenson was charged with murder and unable to post $2 million bail.
  • On February 17, Stevenson pleaded not guilty during a court hearing in Wilmington.

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 murdering his current wife Linda Stevenson.

Linda Stevenson

William Stevenson's 64-year-old wife who was found unresponsive at the couple's Wilmington home on December 28 and later died.

Jill Biden

The former First Lady of the United States, who was previously married to William Stevenson in the 1970s.

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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, Daughter of Linda Stevenson (Facebook)

What’s next

William Stevenson's next court hearing is set for March 16, where the judge will determine if he can be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex personal histories of public figures and the intense scrutiny that can come with any connection to high-profile individuals, even decades later. It also raises questions about domestic violence and the challenges of holding repeat offenders accountable.