A Delaware homicide investigation has drawn national attention after police charged William Stevenson, a man once married to former first lady Jill Biden, with killing his wife. Authorities stress the case centers on a domestic death, not politics, even as public interest has surged because of the decades-old connection.
Stevenson, 77, remains jailed without bail following a grand jury indictment related to the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson, 64.
What do we know about the charges?
Police say officers responded to a reported domestic dispute at the couple’s Wilmington home shortly after 11 p.m. on Dec. 28. They found Linda Stevenson unresponsive in the living room. Attempts to revive her failed.
After a weeks-long investigation, prosecutors charged William Stevenson with first-degree murder.
Current legal status
- Indicted by a grand jury
- Held on $500,000 bail, not posted
- No attorney publicly listed in court records
- Motive not disclosed
Authorities have not yet released detailed charging documents explaining what evidence led to the indictment.
Who was Linda Stevenson?
Family members say media coverage has focused heavily on her husband’s past rather than her life.
According to relatives and her obituary, Linda Stevenson:
- Ran a bookkeeping business
- Was a mother and grandmother
- Participated in charity 5K runs
- Was an avid reader and Philadelphia Eagles fan
Her daughter wrote online that losing her mother created “an abyss” of grief and urged attention on the victim rather than on historical associations.
This is a good place for a sidebar about victim-centered reporting standards.
Why is Jill Biden being mentioned?
The connection is historical, not legal.
William Stevenson was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975, long before her marriage to Joe Biden in 1977. A spokesperson said she declined comment on the case.
Why it matters to readers
The link has amplified public interest but has no known relevance to the alleged crime. Investigators have not suggested any political angle or involvement by the Bidens.
Coverage often includes such details because public figures increase visibility, but courts treat the case like any other homicide prosecution.
Stevenson’s past and public profile
Stevenson is known locally in Delaware business circles.
He founded the Stone Balloon, a popular music venue in Newark, in the early 1970s. In Jill Biden’s memoir, she described him as charismatic and entrepreneurial during their early relationship before the marriage ended.
Decades later, he publicly criticized her in a 2024 media interview. Authorities have not connected those statements to the current investigation.
What happens next in the case?
A typical first-degree murder prosecution in Delaware follows several stages.
Expected legal timeline
- Arraignment and plea entry
- Discovery phase where evidence is shared
- Pretrial motions
- Trial or negotiated plea
Because charging documents remain sealed or unreleased, key facts, including the cause of death and the alleged method, have not been made public.
Why this case highlights media ethics challenges
High-profile associations can overshadow victims in coverage. Newsrooms balance:
- Public interest due to recognizable names
- Avoiding sensationalism
- Respecting the victim’s identity
Family members’ criticism reflects a recurring debate in crime reporting: how much background is relevant versus distracting.
TL;DR
- William Stevenson, once married to Jill Biden decades ago, has been charged with first-degree murder in Delaware.
- His wife Linda Stevenson was found unresponsive after a reported domestic dispute.
- He remains jailed without bail and has not publicly presented a defense.
- Investigators have not disclosed a motive.
- The former first lady has no alleged involvement and declined comment.