Delaware DOJ News: Fraud, Compensation & Justice Updates | Newsroom
Wilmington, Delaware – The ex-husband of U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, William Stevenson, 77, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson, 64. The plea was entered on , during a virtual court appearance, according to reports.
Linda Stevenson was found unresponsive at the couple’s home in Wilmington on . Police responded to a reported domestic dispute and pronounced her dead the following day. The cause of death has not been publicly released, despite an autopsy having been conducted.
William Stevenson was arrested on , and is currently being held on $2 million cash bail. The case has drawn national attention due to Stevenson’s prior marriage to Jill Biden, which lasted from 1970 to 1975. However, authorities have released limited information regarding the investigation.
Notably, the grand jury indictment against Stevenson consists of a single sentence, alleging that he “did intentionally cause the death of Linda Stevenson.” Unlike many criminal cases, authorities opted for a grand jury indictment rather than filing a public arrest affidavit detailing the evidence leading to the charge. This decision has further fueled speculation and limited public access to information surrounding the case.
The lack of transparency from law enforcement has been criticized by some observers, who point to the high-profile nature of the case and the public interest in understanding the circumstances surrounding Linda Stevenson’s death. The obituary for Linda Stevenson, published on , mentioned her daughter, grandchildren, sister, and other relatives, but conspicuously omitted any reference to her husband of nearly four decades.
Stevenson is known in the local community as the founder of the Stone Balloon, a music venue in Newark, Delaware, established in the early 1970s. Linda Stevenson operated a bookkeeping business and was described as a devoted mother and grandmother, as well as a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The case echoes other high-profile criminal investigations in Delaware that have involved figures connected to prominent individuals. In 2010, then-Attorney General Joseph R. Biden III, later the U.S. Vice President, initiated efforts to remove signage from the property associated with Earl Bradley, a pediatrician later convicted of sexually abusing hundreds of children. This action was taken to mitigate the distress experienced by the community affected by Bradley’s crimes.
Bradley’s case, which ultimately resulted in 14 consecutive life sentences without parole plus 165 years, involved allegations of abuse against over 127 children, with claims of abuse against as many as 1,400 families. The Delaware Supreme Court affirmed Bradley’s conviction in 2012. The Attorney General’s office has also been involved in cases involving healthcare fraud and the illegal distribution of narcotics, as evidenced by the 2006 sentencing of Dr. Keith Sokoloff for illegally distributing prescription drugs.
The Stevenson case is being closely watched for its potential implications regarding domestic violence and the challenges of investigating and prosecuting such crimes. The limited information released to the public raises questions about the evidence gathered by investigators and the strength of the case against William Stevenson. The proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with further details potentially emerging as the case progresses through the legal system.
Delaware’s Department of Justice has a history of addressing fraud, as highlighted by legislation introduced in 2007 by Attorney General Biden, State Senator Robert Marshall, and State Representative Vincent Lofink to enhance the fight against fraud targeting government contracts and programs. This demonstrates a commitment to protecting public resources and ensuring accountability.
The case also underscores the complexities of navigating high-profile investigations, particularly when they involve individuals with connections to public figures. The balance between transparency and protecting the integrity of the investigation remains a critical consideration for law enforcement officials.