Delaware Authorities Charge Jill Biden’s Ex-Husband William Stevenson with First-Degree Murder
Wilmington, Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
William Stevenson, 77, faces first-degree murder charges in Delaware. The indictment of Jill Biden’s former husband follows a weeks-long investigation into the death of his wife, Linda.
Arrest and Charges Following December Incident
William Stevenson, 77, was taken into custody on Monday following an indictment by a New Castle County grand jury [1][3]. He is currently being held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $500,000 cash bail [1][3]. The charges stem from the death of his 64-year-old wife, Linda Stevenson, who was found unresponsive in their home late last year [2][3]. Officers from the New Castle County Police originally responded to a domestic dispute call on December 28, 2025, at the couple’s residence in the Oak Hill neighborhood near Elsmere [1][3]. Upon arrival at the home on the 1300 block of Idlewood Road, authorities discovered Linda Stevenson in the living room; she was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts by officers [2].
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The arrest on Monday marks the culmination of an extensive weeks-long investigation led by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Unit [1][3]. Evidence gathered during this period was presented to the Delaware Department of Justice, resulting in the grand jury indictment for first-degree murder [3]. Following the indictment, Stevenson was taken into custody without incident at his residence and arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 [2][3]. While the initial press release noted that the victim’s body was turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science for an autopsy, a specific cause of death was not disclosed in the statement regarding Stevenson’s arrest [1]. Authorities have yet to release details regarding the specific manner of death [2].
Business Ventures and High-Profile Connections
Beyond the legal charges, Stevenson is known locally and nationally for his past marriage to former First Lady Jill Biden [1]. The two married in February 1970, when she was an 18-year-old student at the University of Delaware and he was 23 [1]. The marriage lasted five years before a civil divorce was granted in May 1975, shortly after she met then-Senator Joe Biden [1]. From a business perspective, Stevenson was a notable figure in the Delaware hospitality sector as the owner of The Stone Balloon Club [1]. Located near the University of Delaware in Newark, the venue established itself as one of the country’s most popular college bars, hosting major musical acts such as Bruce Springsteen and The Allman Brothers Band for decades [1]. Stevenson, who is also an author, previously navigated ownership disputes regarding the venue during his separation from the future First Lady [1][3]. Representatives for the Biden family have not issued a comment regarding the arrest [1].