William Stevenson, the former husband of ex-First Lady Jill Biden, faces first-degree murder charges in the death of his current wife, Linda Stevenson, following a domestic dispute in Wilmington, Delaware.
Murder Charges Filed After Investigation
Delaware authorities arrested 77-year-old William Stevenson on Monday after a grand jury indictment for first-degree murder. The charges stem from the December 28 death of his 64-year-old wife, Linda Stevenson, who was discovered unresponsive in their home’s living room during a domestic dispute call. New Castle County police responded to the scene, where officers attempted lifesaving measures before Linda Stevenson was pronounced dead. Her body was transferred to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science for autopsy examination.
🚨BREAKING: Authorities say former First Lady Jill Biden’s ex-husband has been arrested and charged with killing his current wife.
I'm sorry, WHAT? pic.twitter.com/kOfKtvmQEX
— Jack (@jackunheard) February 3, 2026
Police conducted an extensive weeks-long investigation before presenting their findings to the grand jury. William Stevenson remains held at Howard Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $500,000 cash bail. Authorities have not released the official cause of death or specific details surrounding the fatal incident. Court records do not indicate whether Stevenson has secured legal representation for his defense.
Connection to Biden Family History
William Stevenson married Jill Tracy Jacobs in February 1970 when she was an 18-year-old University of Delaware student, and he was 23 years old. During their five-year marriage, Stevenson established The Stone Balloon Club, which became a renowned college venue near the University of Delaware campus. The club hosted major musical acts, including Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, and The Allman Brothers Band, throughout its decades of operation.
NEW: Jill Biden's ex-husband, William 'Bill' Stevenson, has been charged with the first-degree murder of his new wife.
64-year-old Linda Stevenson was found deceased on December 28 following a domestic dispute call.
Stevenson was previously married to Jill Biden when she was… pic.twitter.com/7xakvEBA9x
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 3, 2026
What This Means
The Stevensons divorced in May 1975, shortly after Jill Biden met Delaware Senator Joe Biden in March of that year. Jill Biden attempted to retain partial ownership of The Stone Balloon following the divorce but was unsuccessful in her legal efforts. Linda Stevenson’s obituary described her as deeply family-oriented and a passionate Philadelphia Eagles supporter who founded a bookkeeping business in her later years. Representatives for former President Joe Biden and Jill Biden have not responded to requests for comment regarding the arrest.