Who is Jill Biden’s ex-husband? Jill Biden's Ex-Husband William Stevenson Arrested in Shocking Murder Case
The arrest of Jill Biden‘s ex-husband William Stevenson has sent shockwaves far beyond Delaware, unexpectedly drawing the past of America’s First Lady into a tragic modern-day criminal case. While the incident has no direct connection to the Biden family today, the historical link has intensified public interest as investigators pursue justice in the death of Linda Stevenson.
At the heart of this developing story is a grim domestic tragedy: a woman found dead in her own home, a husband of nearly four decades charged with first-degree murder, and a quiet community struggling to reconcile the allegations with the man they thought they knew.
As headlines continue to circulate, many readers are asking two pressing questions: Who is Jill Biden’s ex-husband, and how did his life intersect with one of the most powerful families in America—before ending in criminal charges decades later?
Jill Biden’s Ex-Husband William Stevenson Arrested: What Happened?
In early February 2026, Delaware authorities confirmed that Jill Biden’s ex-husband William Stevenson was arrested following a grand jury indictment for first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson.
The arrest came after a weeks-long investigation that began with a disturbing 911 call late last year. Police have released limited details, but what is known has already painted a chilling picture.
Timeline of Events –
| Date | Key Development |
|---|---|
| December 28, 2025 | Police respond to a domestic dispute call at the Stevenson residence in Oak Hill, Delaware |
| Linda Stevenson is found unresponsive and pronounced dead | |
| Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 | Authorities conduct an extensive investigation |
| February 2, 2026 | Grand jury indicts William Stevenson on first-degree murder |
| February 3, 2026 | Stevenson, 77, is arrested and arraigned |
| Bail set at $500,000 cash; Stevenson remanded to custody |
William Stevenson was taken into custody without resistance and is currently held at the Howard Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington, Delaware.
What Charge Is William Stevenson Facing?
The charge against Jill Biden’s ex-husband is among the most serious in the Delaware criminal code.
First-Degree Murder Explained –
First-degree murder typically indicates:
- Intentional killing
- Evidence of planning or premeditation
- A charge approved by a grand jury
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of Linda Stevenson’s death, citing the ongoing legal process. Prosecutors have emphasized that the indictment followed an “extensive” investigation involving forensic evidence and witness interviews.
Who Was Linda Stevenson?
Before becoming the center of a national news story, Linda Stevenson lived a private life defined by family and community.
Remembering Linda Stevenson –
- Mother and grandmother
- Longtime Delaware resident
- Remembered by neighbors as warm and generous
Her obituary notably omitted any mention of her husband—a detail that many observers later interpreted as quietly revealing. After William Stevenson’s arrest, neighbors placed a “Justice for Linda” sign outside the home, signaling a community grappling with grief and disbelief.
One neighbor told local media, “They always seemed like a normal couple. This is shocking.”
Who Is Jill Biden’s Ex-Husband? A Look at William Stevenson’s Life
As public interest grows, many are asking: Who is Jill Biden’s ex-husband beyond the headlines?
William Stevenson’s life story spans ambition, business struggles, and deeply personal conflicts—long before his name became associated with a murder charge.
Early Life and Education –
- Raised near Philadelphia
- Once aspired to become a college football player
- Enrolled at the University of Delaware after family circumstances altered his plans
The Stone Balloon: Where Jill Biden and William Stevenson’s Paths Crossed
One of the most important chapters in understanding who is Jill Biden’s ex-husband lies in a small Newark, Delaware bar called The Stone Balloon.
The Stone Balloon Era –
In 1971, Stevenson used a $14,000 inheritance to purchase the venue near the University of Delaware campus. It quickly became a popular hangout for students and live music fans.
It was here that:
- William Stevenson met Jill Jacobs, then a college student
- The two married in 1970, when Jill was just 18
The marriage coincided with financial stress:
- Permit disputes
- Tax problems
- Struggles to keep the business afloat
The Stone Balloon would later become symbolic of their contentious divorce.
Jill Biden and William Stevenson: A Marriage Revisited
Although brief, the marriage between Jill Biden and William Stevenson has resurfaced due to recent events.
Key Facts About Their Marriage –
- Married: 1970
- Divorced: 1975
- No children together
- Marriage ended years before Jill Biden became a public figure
Dr. Jill Biden has described the relationship in her memoirs as a “mistake of youth”, emphasizing that it ended before she met Joe Biden.
Conflicting Narratives: Stevenson vs. the Biden Family
While the Bidens maintain a consistent account of the timeline, William Stevenson has publicly disputed it.
Stevenson’s Claims –
In interviews, including one in 2024, he alleged:
- The divorce was contentious
- Jill Biden began dating Joe Biden before their divorce was finalized
- He felt betrayed during the separation
The Biden family has never publicly responded to these claims and has remained silent following news that Jill Biden’s ex-husband William Stevenson was arrested.
Life After Jill Biden: William and Linda Stevenson
Following his divorce from Jill Biden, Stevenson remarried and lived a largely private life.
Marriage to Linda Stevenson –
- Married for nearly 40 years
- Lived quietly in Delaware
- No major public controversies
- No known criminal record prior to this case
Friends and neighbors described the couple as low-profile, making the murder charge all the more shocking.
Comparison: Two Marriages, Two Outcomes
| Aspect | Marriage to Jill Jacobs (Biden) | Marriage to Linda Stevenson |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years | Nearly 40 years |
| Public Attention | Minimal at the time | National headlines |
| Shared Ventures | The Stone Balloon | Private family life |
| Ending | Divorce | Death and murder charge |
Why This Case Has National Attention
The legal case itself would typically remain a local matter. However, the fact that Jill Biden’s ex-husband William Stevenson was arrested has elevated it into national discourse.
Still, legal experts emphasize:
- Jill Biden has no involvement
- The Biden family has no legal connection
- The case focuses solely on Linda Stevenson’s death
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is William Stevenson charged with?
He is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson.
Q2: How did police become involved?
Police responded to a domestic dispute call on December 28, 2025, where Linda was found unresponsive.
Q3: Has the cause of death been released?
No. Authorities have not disclosed the cause or manner of death as of February 2026.
Q4: Who is Jill Biden’s ex-husband?
William Stevenson is Jill Biden’s first husband, whom she married from 1970 to 1975 before later marrying Joe Biden.
Q5: Where is William Stevenson now?
He is currently incarcerated at the Howard Young Correctional Institution, awaiting further court proceedings.
What Happens Next in the Case?
The coming months will focus on:
- Pre-trial hearings
- Evidence disclosure
- Potential trial dates
Prosecutors must now prove beyond reasonable doubt that William Stevenson intentionally caused his wife’s death.
A Tragedy Beyond the Headlines
While public curiosity may center on the Biden connection, the core of this story remains deeply human.
A woman is dead.
A family is grieving.
A man faces the possibility of spending his final years behind bars.
The arrest of Jill Biden’s ex-husband William Stevenson is not merely a sensational headline—it is a sobering reminder that private lives can unravel in devastating ways, regardless of fame or history.
As the courts move forward, the community of Oak Hill—and the nation watching from afar—await answers that only the justice system can provide.
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