Jill Biden's Former Spouse Denies Murder Allegations in Delaware Court
William Stevenson, the first husband of First Lady Jill Biden, has entered a plea of not guilty to charges that he murdered his current wife, Linda Stevenson. The 77-year-old defendant appeared remotely via camera for a hearing at a court in Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday, February 16, 2026.
Details of the Case and Charges
A state grand jury charged Stevenson earlier this month with the murder of his 64-year-old wife, Linda Stevenson. The incident unfolded after police responded to a report of a 'domestic dispute' at the couple's Wilmington home late on December 28, 2025. Linda was found unresponsive at the residence and was declared dead on December 29, despite life-saving measures administered by first responders.
William Stevenson was arrested on February 2, 2026, and formally charged with murder the following day. He has been unable to post the $2 million bail set in his case and has remained in custody since his arrest. His next court hearing is scheduled for March 16, and he is currently represented by a public defender.
Historical Connections and Personal Background
Jill Biden, who has been married to former President Joe Biden since 1977, was previously married to William Stevenson from 1970 to 1975. The couple first met when Jill was a college student at the University of Delaware. Stevenson, then a 23-year-old businessman, married Jill Jacobs in 1970 when she was 18 years old.
The pair divorced in 1975, and two years later, Jill married Joe Biden, who was serving as a New Castle County Councilman at the time and would later become president. Both Wilmington natives, the Stevensons and Bidens have shared their hometown throughout their lives.
Controversial Claims and Public Response
In the past, Stevenson has claimed that Jill Biden cheated on him during their marriage and that he kicked her out of their home upon learning of an affair with Biden. Representatives for Jill Biden have dismissed these allegations as 'fictitious,' stating they were fabricated to 'sell and promote a book' that Stevenson was preparing to release.
A spokesperson emphasized that Jill Biden separated from Stevenson due to irreconcilable differences in the fall of 1974 and moved out of their marital home. Joe and Jill Biden had their first date in March 1975 and married in June 1977.
Remembering Linda Stevenson and Ongoing Investigation
Linda Stevenson, who ran a bookkeeping business, was described in her obituary as a family-oriented mother and grandmother. Her obituary notably does not mention her husband, despite listing other survivors, including her daughter Christina Vettori and a grandchild. The cause of her death has not been publicly released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Jill Biden has not publicly commented on the charges against her ex-husband, and a spokesperson has declined to provide any statements regarding the case. In her 2019 memoir, When the Light Enters: Building a Family, Discovering Myself, Jill reflected on her first marriage, describing it as a 'mistake of youth' while acknowledging Stevenson as 'charming and entrepreneurial.'
Background on William Stevenson
William Stevenson, who often goes by Bill, founded the Stone Balloon, a popular music venue in Newark, Delaware, in the early 1970s. His connection to the Biden family has brought significant media attention to this case, highlighting the intersection of personal history and legal proceedings.
