Former First Lady Jill Biden's Ex-Husband Charged with Murder

William "Bill" Stevenson, 77, is being held without bail at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington, Delaware

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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William "Bill" Stevenson, the 77-year-old ex-husband of former First Lady Jill Biden, has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson, last December. Stevenson is currently being held without bail at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution (HRYCI), a state prison in Wilmington, Delaware.

Why it matters

The case has drawn significant attention due to Stevenson's connection to the Biden family. Jill Biden was previously married to Stevenson from 1970 to 1975, before marrying President Joe Biden in 1977. The murder charges against Stevenson have raised questions about his past relationship with the former First Lady and the potential impact on the Biden family.

The details

On December 28, 2025, police responded to reports of a domestic dispute at the Stevensons' Wilmington area home, where they found Linda Stevenson, 64, unresponsive in the living room. Despite attempts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. After a weekslong investigation, Stevenson was indicted on first-degree murder charges and taken into custody without incident at his home on February 2, 2026.

  • On December 28, 2025, police responded to reports of a domestic dispute at the Stevensons' Wilmington area home.
  • On February 2, 2026, Stevenson was indicted on first-degree murder charges and taken into custody without incident at his home.

The players

William "Bill" Stevenson

The 77-year-old ex-husband of former First Lady Jill Biden, who has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson.

Linda Stevenson

The 64-year-old wife of William "Bill" Stevenson, who was found unresponsive in the living room of their Wilmington area home and pronounced dead at the scene.

Jill Biden

The former First Lady of the United States, who was previously married to William "Bill" Stevenson from 1970 to 1975, before marrying President Joe Biden in 1977.

Howard R. Young Correctional Institution (HRYCI)

A Level 5 state prison in Wilmington, Delaware, where William "Bill" Stevenson is currently being held without bail.

Philip Parker

The warden of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution (HRYCI).

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow William "Bill" Stevenson out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex personal and legal issues surrounding the former First Lady's ex-husband and the potential impact on the Biden family. It also raises questions about the conditions and programs within the Delaware prison system where Stevenson is being held.