A criminal case in the state of Delaware has surprisingly made headlines across the country due to a rather flimsy connection to former First Lady Jill Biden. William Stevenson, who was once married to Jill Biden in the early 1970s, is now charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, Linda Stevenso while the criminal case itself has no connection to the Biden family, the seriousness of the charges has drawn media attention to what would otherwise be a matter of a private nature.
Who is Former First Lady Jill Biden?
Jill Biden is an American educator and the wife of former U.S. President Joe Biden and she served as First Lady from 2021 to 2025 known for continuing to teach while in the White House. William Stevenson and Jill Biden then Jill Tracy Jacobs were married from 1970 to 1975. They wed when she was 18 and a student at the University of Delaware after their divorce, Jill met Joe Biden in March 1975 and they married in 1977.
Who is William Stevenson?
William Stevenson, 77 years old, is a longtime Delaware resident best known locally for founding The Stone Balloon, a music venue near the University of Delaware that became a landmark in American college-town culture. Over the decades, the club hosted major artists and helped shape Newark’s nightlife economy. Stevenson’s earlier marriage to Jill Biden lasted five years and ended nearly half a century ago.
What Happened on December 28?
According to New Castle County police, officers were dispatched to a residence in Oak Hill, Delaware, shortly after 11:15 p.m. following reports of a domestic disturbance. Inside the home, Linda Stevenson, 64 year old was found unresponsive in the living room and emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
What are the Ongoing Investigation & Indictment
Authorities launched a multi-week investigation involving forensic analysis and witness interviews in a New Castle County grand jury returned an indictment on February 3, charging Stevenson with first-degree murder. Delaware law reserves this charge for cases involving intentional killing, carrying a potential life sentence if convicted and police have not publicly detailed the evidence underlying the indictment.
Linda Stevenson Autopsy & Cause of Death
Linda Stevenson’s body was transferred to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science for a full post-mortem examination. As of the latest update, officials have not released the cause or manner of death where national crime data shows that in roughly 30% of domestic-related homicide investigations, final autopsy findings are not immediately disclosed due to evidentiary sensitivity.
William Stevenson Bail, Custody & Legal Status
Following his arraignment, William Stevenson was remanded to the Howard Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington. Bail was set at $500,000 cash, an amount he has not posted. According to Delaware court statistics, fewer than 15% of defendants charged with first-degree murder are granted bail at all, reflecting the severity of such cases. It remains unclear whether Stevenson has retained legal counsel.
Why the Case Has Drawn Public Attention
While Jill Biden has no involvement in the case, her past marriage to Stevenson has fueled public curiosity and the Bidens office has declined comment, consistent with standard practice in unrelated criminal proceedings. Legal experts note that high-profile associations often amplify media coverage, even when they have no bearing on the facts or outcome of a case.
