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Former Husband of Jill Biden Charged with Murder in Delaware
WILMINGTON, Del. — William Stevenson, the first husband of former first lady Jill Biden, has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of his wife at their Delaware home in December, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
Stevenson, 77, was arrested Monday in connection with the death of Linda Stevenson, 64, who was found unresponsive in the living room of their Wilmington residence on December 28. Authorities responded to the home after 11 p.m. following reports of a domestic dispute. Despite life-saving efforts, she could not be revived.
Caroline Harrison, spokesperson for the Delaware Attorney General’s office, confirmed that Stevenson was previously married to Jill Biden. Their marriage lasted from 1970 to 1975, before her marriage to Joe Biden.
When contacted about the charges against her former husband, Jill Biden declined to comment, according to a spokesperson from the former president and first lady’s office.
The charges against Stevenson come after a grand jury indictment following a weeks-long investigation by detectives from the Delaware Department of Justice. Stevenson remains in custody after failing to post $500,000 bail.
Linda Stevenson, according to her obituary, ran a bookkeeping business and was described as a family-oriented mother and grandmother who enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Eagles. Notably, the obituary made no mention of her husband.
Stevenson has a notable history in the Delaware community. He founded the Stone Balloon, a popular music venue in Newark, in the early 1970s. The establishment became a well-known fixture in the local entertainment scene during its heyday, hosting various musical acts.
In recent years, Stevenson had been vocal about his past marriage to Jill Biden. During an interview with the conservative news outlet Newsmax earlier this year, he characterized their divorce as contentious, describing his former wife as “bitter” and “nasty.”
The case has drawn significant attention due to Stevenson’s connection to the former first lady. Jill Biden, who married then-Senator Joe Biden in 1977, served as first lady during Joe Biden’s presidency from January 2021 to January 2025.
The murder charge represents a serious escalation in what authorities initially reported as a domestic incident. First-degree murder in Delaware typically indicates an intentional killing with premeditation, though specific details about the evidence leading to this charge have not been made public.
Court records do not yet indicate whether Stevenson has retained legal representation. He is expected to make additional court appearances in the coming weeks as the case proceeds through the Delaware judicial system.
Local residents expressed shock at the news. “This neighborhood is usually so quiet,” said Maria Johnston, who lives nearby. “To hear something like this happened just down the street is disturbing.”
The case highlights the often hidden nature of domestic violence, which experts note can affect households regardless of socioeconomic status or community standing.
Law enforcement officials have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding Linda Stevenson’s death, citing the ongoing investigation and pending trial.
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10 Comments
Domestic disputes can be incredibly complex, and it’s important to avoid rushing to conclusions before all the facts are known. I hope the authorities are able to provide more clarity through a thorough investigation, and that any underlying issues can be properly addressed.
Agreed, these types of cases often have nuances that are not immediately apparent. A careful and impartial investigation is crucial to understanding the full circumstances and ensuring justice is served.
This is a very serious and tragic situation. While the details are still emerging, domestic violence is a terrible issue that deserves our full attention and support for the victims. I hope the investigation provides justice and closure for all involved.
Agreed, these types of cases require a careful and thorough investigation to understand the full context and circumstances. Our hearts go out to the family during this difficult time.
This is a very unfortunate situation. Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects people from all walks of life. I hope the investigation uncovers the full truth and that appropriate actions are taken to address this tragedy.
While the details are troubling, it’s important to withhold judgment until all the facts are known. Domestic disputes can be incredibly complex, and the wellbeing of all involved should be the top priority. I hope the investigation provides a clearer picture of what happened.
Agreed, caution and compassion are warranted here. These types of cases often have nuances that are not immediately apparent. I hope the authorities can shed light on the circumstances while also supporting those affected.
Shocking to see such a high-profile figure involved in something like this. I’m curious to learn more about the timeline and what may have led to this tragic outcome. Domestic disputes can be incredibly complex and it’s important not to rush to judgment.
Yes, there are likely many layers to this story that we don’t yet know. I hope the authorities are able to provide more clarity through the investigation process.
This is a sad and disturbing case. Domestic violence is never acceptable, regardless of one’s status or background. I hope the legal system can bring some measure of justice and accountability, while also addressing the underlying issues.