Jill Biden's First Husband Charged with Killing Wife in Delaware Home

William Stevenson, 77, faces first-degree murder charges after a domestic dispute at the couple's residence

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:39pm

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The first husband of former First Lady Jill Biden, William Stevenson, has been charged with killing his wife Linda Stevenson, 64, 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 husband of a high-profile political figure, the charges against Stevenson have drawn significant attention and raised questions about the Bidens' personal history.

The details

According to authorities, Stevenson is accused of killing his wife Linda during a domestic dispute at their Wilmington, Delaware home on December 28. Police were called to the residence after 11 PM and found Linda unresponsive in the living room, where life-saving measures were unsuccessful. Stevenson was later charged with first-degree murder after a weekslong investigation by the Delaware Department of Justice.

  • The incident occurred on December 28, 2025.
  • Stevenson was arrested and charged on February 2, 2026.

The players

William Stevenson

The 77-year-old first husband of former First Lady Jill Biden, who has been charged with killing his wife Linda Stevenson at their Delaware home.

Linda Stevenson

The 64-year-old wife of William Stevenson, who was killed during a domestic dispute at the couple's Delaware residence.

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

Stevenson remains in jail after failing to post $500,000 bail. The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater awareness and resources to address domestic violence, even within high-profile families. It serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact such incidents can have on individuals, families, and communities.