Full Breakdown
William Stevenson Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of Second Wife
2/17/2026, 9:18:46 PM
Overview of the Case
William Stevenson, 77, the former husband of Jill Biden, has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder in connection with the death of his second wife, Linda Stevenson, 64. Linda was found unresponsive at their Wilmington, Delaware home on December 28, 2022, following reports of a domestic dispute. Stevenson was charged with murder on February 3, 2023, and has been held in custody unable to post a $2 million bail. His next court hearing is scheduled for March 16, 2023.
Background on William and Linda Stevenson
William Stevenson was married to Jill Biden from 1970 until their divorce in 1975. He is known for founding the Stone Balloon, a prominent music venue in Newark, Delaware, which hosted numerous famous artists. After his marriage to Jill Biden, Stevenson married Linda, with whom he shared a life for approximately 40 years. Linda Stevenson operated a bookkeeping business and was remembered in her obituary as a devoted mother and grandmother, as well as a Philadelphia Eagles fan. Notably, her obituary did not mention her husband, highlighting a possible estrangement.
Circumstances Surrounding Linda Stevenson's Death
On the night of December 28, 2022, police responded to a domestic dispute at the Stevenson residence, where they discovered Linda unresponsive in the living room. The details surrounding her death remain unclear, as the results of a post-mortem examination have not been disclosed. Following the incident, William Stevenson was arrested without incident on February 3, 2023.
Official Statements & Responses
Jill Biden's spokesperson has stated that she has no comment regarding the murder case involving her ex-husband. Linda's daughter, Christine Mae, expressed her grief on social media, emphasizing the need to honor her mother's life rather than her connection to public figures. She described the profound pain of losing her mother, stating, "The pain of losing her is paralyzing and the emptiness in my heart is an abyss."
Criticism & Opposition
Christine Mae has publicly criticized the media's focus on her mother's relationship with William Stevenson, urging that Linda deserves recognition for her own life and achievements. She stated, "She deserves her own story and not the story of 'Jill Biden's ex-husband's other wife.'"
Verbatim Quotes
- “The pain of losing her is paralyzing and the emptiness in my heart is an abyss.” — Christine Mae, Daughter of Linda Stevenson
- “She deserves her own story and not the story of 'Jill Biden's ex-husband's other wife,'” — Christine Mae, Daughter of Linda Stevenson
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is currently no public information regarding the results of the post-mortem examination of Linda Stevenson, which leaves questions about the circumstances of her death unanswered. Additionally, while neighbors expressed surprise at the murder charge, there are no detailed accounts of the events leading up to the police response on December 28.
This case continues to unfold as William Stevenson prepares for his upcoming court hearing, and the community reflects on the tragic loss of Linda Stevenson.
