Jill Biden's Former Spouse Denies Murder Charge in Wife's Death
William Stevenson, the ex-husband of former First Lady Jill Biden, has entered a plea of not guilty to a first-degree murder charge following the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson. The 77-year-old defendant appeared via video link in a Wilmington, Delaware, courtroom on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention due to its connection to the Biden family.
Details of the Alleged Crime and Legal Proceedings
A state grand jury formally charged Stevenson with first-degree murder earlier this month, after Linda Stevenson, 64, was discovered unresponsive at the couple's Wilmington residence on 28 December. Police reports indicate that officers responded to a domestic dispute call shortly after 11 p.m. that evening, finding Ms. Stevenson in the living room without signs of life. Stevenson has been held in custody since 3 February, unable to meet the $2 million bail requirement set by the court.
The results of a post-mortem examination have not been publicly disclosed, leaving key details about the cause of death undisclosed as the legal process unfolds. Stevenson's next court hearing is scheduled for 16 March, where further evidence and arguments are expected to be presented.
Backgrounds of the Individuals Involved
William Stevenson is known for founding the Stone Balloon, a popular music venue in Newark, Delaware, during the early 1970s. He was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975, a period she described in her memoir as ending in disappointment as they grew apart. Jill Biden later married Delaware senator Joe Biden in 1977, who served as U.S. President from 2021 to 2025. A spokesperson for Jill Biden has stated that she has no comment on the ongoing murder case.
Linda Stevenson operated a bookkeeping business and was remembered in her obituary as a devoted mother and grandmother, as well as an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan. The obituary notably omitted any mention of her husband. Her daughter, Christine Mae, expressed profound grief on social media, writing, "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."
Context and Broader Implications
This case highlights the intersection of high-profile personal histories with serious criminal allegations, underscoring the complexities of domestic incidents that result in fatal outcomes. The involvement of a figure linked to a former First Lady adds a layer of public scrutiny, though legal proceedings will focus solely on the evidence related to the charges. As the community awaits further developments, the tragedy has sparked conversations about domestic safety and the legal processes surrounding such cases in Delaware.
