William Stevenson: Husband of Dr. Biden’s First Marriage Arrested in Murder Case
- The ex-husband of former First Lady Jill Biden, William Stevenson, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson.
- Linda Stevenson, 64, was found unresponsive on the living room floor of their Wilmington, Delaware home on December 28, 2025, after police responded to a reported domestic dispute.
- Stevenson was taken into custody at his home without incident on Monday, February 3, 2026 and is currently being held at the Howard Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.
The ex-husband of former First Lady Jill Biden, William Stevenson, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson. The indictment, handed down by a New Castle County grand jury on , alleges that Stevenson “did intentionally cause the death” of his wife.
Linda Stevenson, 64, was found unresponsive on the living room floor of their Wilmington, Delaware home on , after police responded to a reported domestic dispute. William Stevenson, 77, had called 911, according to police reports. Despite attempts to save her life, Linda Stevenson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Stevenson was taken into custody at his home without incident on and is currently being held at the Howard Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington. He is unable to post the $500,000 bail set by the court. It remains unclear if Stevenson has retained legal counsel.
The case has drawn attention not only due to the tragic circumstances but also because of Stevenson’s past connection to Dr. Biden. William Stevenson and Jill Biden were married in 1970 and divorced in 1975. Dr. Biden later married former President Joe Biden in 1977.
Beyond the personal connection to the former First Lady, William Stevenson is a well-known figure in the Delaware music scene. He is the founder of the Stone Balloon, a popular Newark, Delaware club that has hosted numerous prominent musicians over the years, including Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, Dave Matthews Band, and My Morning Jacket. The Stone Balloon has long been a staple of the regional music landscape.
The New Castle County Police Department initiated an “extensive weeks-long investigation” following Linda Stevenson’s death. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Unit assumed control of the investigation upon arriving at the scene. While the police have confirmed the cause of death has not yet been released, the grand jury’s indictment points to a deliberate act.
Jill Biden’s office has declined to comment on the matter. A spokesperson provided an emailed response stating that the former President and First Lady would not be making a statement at this time.
The arrest and charges against Stevenson have sparked a local response, with signs reading “Justice for Linda” appearing near the Stevenson home. The case is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings unfold. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not released additional information regarding potential motives or specific details surrounding the alleged crime.
The incident comes amid a broader national conversation regarding domestic violence. The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services recently warned of an increasing trend in domestic partner poisonings, highlighting the need for increased awareness and resources for victims. While It’s not yet known if poisoning was involved in this case, the timing underscores the urgency of addressing domestic violence issues.