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Former First Lady’s Ex-Husband Charged with Murder in Delaware Domestic Case
A 77-year-old Delaware man who was once married to former first lady Jill Biden is being held on first-degree murder charges following the death of his wife last December. William Stevenson of Wilmington was indicted Monday by a grand jury for allegedly killing his wife, Linda Stevenson, 64, in what authorities are investigating as a domestic dispute.
According to police reports, officers responded to the couple’s Wilmington home shortly after 11 p.m. on December 28 following reports of a domestic altercation. Upon arrival, they discovered Linda Stevenson unresponsive in the living room. Despite emergency life-saving efforts, she could not be revived.
Stevenson remains incarcerated after failing to post $500,000 bail. Investigators have not yet disclosed a potential motive for the killing, and court documents detailing the specific allegations have not been released to the public. It remains unclear whether Stevenson has secured legal representation, as court records available so far do not list a defense lawyer.
Linda Stevenson was remembered in her obituary as a family-oriented mother and grandmother who ran her own bookkeeping business and was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan. Notably, the obituary made no mention of her husband.
Her daughter, Christine Mae, posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook describing her mother as a dedicated reader and runner who regularly participated in monthly 5K charity events with her. “One hug from her and all your worries would disappear,” Mae wrote. “The pain of losing her is paralyzing and the emptiness in my heart is an abyss.”
Mae also expressed frustration that media coverage of the case has emphasized Stevenson’s past marriage to Jill Biden rather than focusing on her mother’s life and legacy. “She deserves her own story,” Mae wrote, arguing that her mother should not be defined merely in relation to her husband’s former spouse. Mae was not available for further comment.
William Stevenson was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975, before she married then-U.S. Senator Joe Biden in 1977. Joe Biden would later serve as U.S. President from January 2021 to January 2025. A spokesperson for the former president and first lady indicated that Jill Biden has declined to comment on the case.
During his earlier years in Delaware, Stevenson established himself as a local entrepreneur, founding the Stone Balloon, a popular music venue in Newark, Delaware, in the early 1970s. The establishment became a notable fixture in the area’s entertainment scene.
In her 2019 memoir, Jill Biden reflected on her first marriage to Stevenson, describing how they met while she was a student at the University of Delaware. She married him at age 18, characterizing him as a “tall ex-football player” who drove a yellow Camaro and was well-liked by her parents. She wrote that she initially believed they had found a partnership “built on loyalty and devotion.”
However, Jill Biden wrote that their relationship eventually deteriorated as they “grew in different directions,” calling the collapse of their marriage “the biggest disappointment of my young life.” She described the experience as teaching her important lessons about financial independence, which she later shared with her daughters and female students.
Jill Biden also noted in her memoir that she had “absolutely no interest in politics” when she married Stevenson, though he eventually became involved in Joe Biden’s 1972 Senate campaign. This involvement introduced her to campaign materials and events, including an election-night celebration where she met Biden’s first wife, Neilia.
In contrast to Jill Biden’s account, Stevenson portrayed their divorce as contentious during a 2024 interview with conservative news outlet Newsmax, describing his ex-wife as “bitter” and “nasty.”
The Delaware Department of Justice conducted a weeks-long investigation before Stevenson was charged. The case continues to develop as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Linda Stevenson’s death.
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11 Comments
Domestic disputes can tragically escalate to violence. My condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones. I hope the judicial process can provide some accountability in this case.
Allegations of murder against a former presidential spouse are certainly shocking. I’m curious to learn more about the circumstances and any potential connections to Jill Biden’s past.
This case seems to raise more questions than answers at the moment. I’ll be following the news closely to see how the investigation unfolds.
The details of this case are truly tragic. My heart goes out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. I hope they can find some measure of justice and closure.
It’s deeply disturbing to see this kind of alleged violence, especially involving someone connected to a former first lady. I’ll be interested to see if any political angles emerge as more details come to light.
This is a tragic and disturbing case. My heart goes out to the victim’s family. I hope the authorities can uncover the full truth and motive behind this terrible crime.
Domestic violence is always a heartbreaking situation. Hopefully the investigation will bring some closure and justice for the victim.
This is a shocking and disturbing development. I’ll be following the news closely to see how the investigation progresses and what additional details emerge about the circumstances of this alleged crime.
Domestic violence is always a complex and heartbreaking issue. I hope the authorities can provide a clear understanding of what happened in this case.
This is certainly a high-profile case that will draw a lot of attention. I hope the authorities can conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the full truth of what happened.
Domestic violence is always a complex and sensitive issue. I trust the legal system will handle this case with the utmost care and diligence.