Jill Biden's First Husband Charged in Wife's Killing

William Stevenson, 77, accused of murdering his wife Linda, 64, in a domestic dispute at their Delaware home

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:39pm

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William Stevenson, the first husband of former First Lady Jill Biden, has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of his wife Linda Stevenson at their Delaware home in late December. Police were called to the residence for a reported domestic dispute, where they found Linda unresponsive in the living room. Stevenson remains in jail after failing to post $500,000 bail following his arrest on Monday.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the tragic consequences it can have. As the former spouse of a high-profile public figure, the case has drawn significant attention, raising questions about the former First Family's personal history and the broader societal problem of intimate partner homicides.

The details

According to authorities, police were called to the Stevenson home in Wilmington, Delaware around 11 PM on December 28th for a reported domestic dispute. When they arrived, they found Linda Stevenson unresponsive in the living room. Lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. William Stevenson, 77, was arrested on Monday and charged with first-degree murder following a weekslong investigation by the Delaware Department of Justice.

  • On December 28, 2025, police responded to a reported domestic dispute at the Stevenson home in Wilmington, Delaware.
  • On January 30, 2026, William Stevenson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the killing of his wife Linda.

The players

William Stevenson

The 77-year-old first husband of former First Lady Jill Biden, who has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of his wife Linda Stevenson.

Linda Stevenson

The 64-year-old wife of William Stevenson, who was killed in a domestic dispute at their Delaware home in late December 2025.

Jill Biden

The former First Lady of the United States, who was previously married to William Stevenson from 1970 to 1975.

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What’s next

A judge will decide on Tuesday whether to grant William Stevenson bail as he awaits trial for the first-degree murder of his wife Linda.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater awareness and resources to address domestic violence, which can have devastating consequences even for high-profile individuals and their families. It also raises questions about the lasting impact of personal histories on public figures and the importance of providing support and compassion in such sensitive situations.