Jill Biden's Ex-Husband Charged With Wife's Murder

Bill Stevenson pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the death of his wife Linda Stevenson.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Bill Stevenson, the long-ago first husband of former first lady Jill Biden, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder after the death of his wife Linda Stevenson. Stevenson was charged after Linda was found unresponsive at their home in New Castle County, Delaware in late 2025. Authorities have not disclosed Linda's cause of death, but police dispatch audio referenced 'cardiac arrest'.

Why it matters

The case has drawn attention due to Stevenson's connection to Jill Biden, the current first lady. Stevenson has publicly discussed the end of his marriage to Jill, alleging she grew close to Joe Biden before their divorce. Stevenson has also been critical of the Biden family in recent years.

The details

Stevenson, 77, entered the not guilty plea during a court hearing in Wilmington, Delaware, appearing via remote video. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 16. He is being held at the Howard Young Correctional Institution after failing to post a $500,000 cash bail. Linda Stevenson's obituary stated she 'passed away unexpectedly' and did not mention her husband.

  • On December 28, 2025, police responded to a reported 'domestic dispute' at the Stevenson's home around 11:15 p.m.
  • Linda Stevenson was pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving measures were attempted.

The players

Bill Stevenson

The long-ago first husband of former first lady Jill Biden, who has been charged with the murder of his wife Linda Stevenson.

Linda Stevenson

Bill Stevenson's wife, who was found unresponsive at the couple's home in New Castle County, Delaware in late 2025 and later pronounced dead.

Jill Biden

The current first lady, who was previously married to Bill Stevenson for five years before divorcing in 1975 and marrying Joe Biden in 1977.

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What’s next

Stevenson's next court appearance is scheduled for March 16, where the judge will determine if he will be granted bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex personal history between the Bidens and Stevenson, and raises questions about the circumstances surrounding Linda Stevenson's death and Stevenson's potential motivations.