Delaware law enforcement authorities have formally charged William Stevenson, the former husband of First Lady Jill Biden, with first-degree murder in the death of his current wife, Linda Stevenson. The 77-year-old businessman remains incarcerated at a Wilmington detention facility after being unable to meet the $500,000 bail requirement set by the court.
The case unfolded on December 28, 2025, when New Castle County Police responded to a domestic disturbance report at the Stevenson residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered 64-year-old Linda Stevenson unresponsive in the living room area. Despite immediate life-saving attempts by emergency responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation, spanning several weeks, culminated in this week’s murder charges against William Stevenson.
Historical context reveals Stevenson married Jill Biden (then Jill Jacobs) in 1970 when both were young adults—she was 18 and he was 23. Their marriage ended after five years, coinciding with Jill’s meeting of then-senator Joe Biden in 1975. Stevenson has maintained a presence in Delaware business circles as the proprietor of the Stone Balloon, a popular college bar near the University of Delaware.
Linda Stevenson’s obituary memorializes her as a devoted family woman who cherished creating memories with her daughter, granddaughter, and sister during family vacations. The medical examiner’s office continues to investigate the exact cause of death through autopsy procedures.
The case has drawn significant media attention due to the Biden connection, though representatives for both the former First Lady and President have not issued public statements regarding the charges. The judicial process continues as Stevenson awaits further court proceedings.