Bill Stevenson, Jill Biden's Ex-Husband, Pleads Not Guilty in Wife's Death

The long-ago first husband of the former first lady was charged with murdering his current wife in Delaware.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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William Stevenson, the former husband of first lady Jill Biden, pleaded not guilty to charges that he killed his current wife, Linda Stevenson, in their Delaware home. Stevenson, 77, was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975 and later wed Linda, who was found unresponsive at their residence on December 28. He has been in custody since being charged with murder earlier this month.

Why it matters

The case has drawn attention due to Stevenson's connection to the current first lady, Jill Biden, though she has declined to comment on the matter. It also raises questions about domestic violence and the legal system's handling of repeat offenders.

The details

Stevenson, who founded the popular music venue Stone Balloon in the 1970s, was charged by a state grand jury with killing his 64-year-old wife Linda, who ran a bookkeeping business. He has been unable to post the $2 million bail set after his arrest and is scheduled for another court hearing on March 16.

  • Stevenson and Jill Biden were married from 1970 to 1975.
  • Linda Stevenson was found unresponsive at the couple's Delaware home on December 28, 2025.
  • Stevenson was charged with murder on February 3, 2026.
  • Stevenson pleaded not guilty to the charges on February 17, 2026.

The players

William Stevenson

The former first husband of Jill Biden, who has been charged with murdering his current wife, Linda Stevenson.

Jill Biden

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

Linda Stevenson

William Stevenson's current wife, who was found unresponsive at their Delaware home and later died.

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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, Linda Stevenson's daughter (Facebook)

“They always left and went out to dinner. She was just as nice as can be, and he was, too.”

— Patty Master, Neighbor (CBS News Philadelphia)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 16 whether to grant Stevenson bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often tragic nature of domestic violence, even among those with connections to high-profile figures. It raises questions about the legal system's ability to protect victims and hold repeat offenders accountable.