In a shocking development coming out of Delaware, William “Bill” Stevenson, 77, the former husband of former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, has been indicted on charges of murder in the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson.
What Happened?
According to law enforcement officials in New Castle County, Delaware, police were dispatched to a home in the Oak Hill neighborhood of Wilmington shortly after 11 p.m. on December 28, 2025, following reports of a domestic disturbance.
When officers entered the residence, they found 64-year-old Linda Stevenson unresponsive in the living room. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, she was later pronounced dead at the scene.
After a weeks-long investigation, detectives presented the case to a grand jury, which returned an indictment against Stevenson earlier this week. He now faces a first-degree murder charge related to his wife’s death.
Arrest and Bail
Stevenson was taken into custody without incident at his Wilmington home and was arraigned on the charges. Because he was unable to post the required $500,000 bail, he remains incarcerated at the Howard Young Correctional Institution.
Background on the Victim and Accused
Linda Stevenson was described in her obituary and community tributes as a devoted mother and grandmother and a successful bookkeeping business owner. She was also known to be a Philadelphia Eagles fan and active member of her local community.
William Stevenson, a longtime Delaware resident, had a varied career including founding the now-legendary Stone Balloon Club, a music venue near the University of Delaware that hosted performances for major artists through the years.
Connection to Jill Biden
Stevenson was married to Jill Biden (née Jacobs) from 1970 until their divorce in 1975. Jill later married Joe Biden in 1977, who went on to serve as U.S. president from January 2021 to January 2025.
While their marriage ended decades ago, Stevenson’s name resurfaced in media reporting due to this tragic case. Jill Biden’s office declined to comment publicly on the indictment and ongoing prosecution.
What Happens Next?
The criminal case against Stevenson is ongoing. With a first-degree murder charge, prosecutors will seek to prove his intent and involvement in his wife’s death, and the legal process may involve extensive investigation and court proceedings through the year.
Authorities have not yet publicly released details about how Linda Stevenson died, as an autopsy and forensic analysis remain part of the investigation.
