You’ll find the latest developments in the arraignment of William Stevenson and what his not-guilty plea means for the criminal case tied to his wife’s death. He pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge, and legal proceedings will now move forward through pretrial hearings, discovery and possible motion practice that could shape how the prosecution presents evidence.
Expect a clear look at the criminal allegations, the procedural steps ahead, and how investigators’ findings so far intersect with Stevenson’s past, including his prior marriage to Jill Biden. The next sections break down the court timeline, key legal issues to watch, and relevant background that contextualizes this case.
Legal Case Against William Stevenson
William Stevenson, 77, faces a first-degree murder indictment in the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson. He pleaded not guilty and remains in custody; the case centers on a domestic dispute at their Delaware home and procedural steps ahead in court.
Not Guilty Plea and Charges
Stevenson entered a not guilty plea to a single count of first-degree murder during an arraignment conducted by video. The charge follows a grand jury indictment and alleges he caused Linda Stevenson’s death; prosecutors have not publicly disclosed a detailed theory of motive.
He has remained in custody after failing to post bail. His public defender represents him, and attorneys have not yet offered an extensive public defense beyond the plea. Court filings and future hearings will shape what evidence the prosecution presents and what defenses the defense team will raise.
Events Leading Up to Linda Stevenson’s Death
Police were called to the Stevensons’ Delaware residence on the night of December 28, where officers found Linda Stevenson unresponsive. Officials described the incident as stemming from a domestic dispute, and she was later pronounced dead.
An obituary for Linda described her as family-oriented and a small-business owner. Media reports note that Jill Biden was married to William Stevenson from 1970–75, a historical fact that investigators and the family have said should not define Linda’s life.
Domestic Dispute and Police Response
Responding officers reported a domestic disturbance when they arrived at the home. William Stevenson was arrested on Feb. 3 without incident and booked on the first-degree murder charge after the grand jury returned an indictment.
Police statements have been limited; investigators have not publicly detailed the cause of death or released forensic findings. The restrained public disclosures mean much of the evidentiary picture remains sealed in discovery and selective court filings for now.
Upcoming Court Dates and Legal Process
Stevenson’s next scheduled court appearance is set for March 16, when pretrial matters and potential motions are expected. The legal timeline will likely include discovery exchanges, pretrial hearings, and, if the case proceeds, a trial date set by the court.
Because the charge is first-degree murder, the prosecution may pursue significant evidence and witnesses; the defense — led by his public defender — can file motions challenging admissibility of evidence or seek bail review. Observers should expect a slow-moving procedural phase before any substantive public disclosure of forensic or witness testimony.
Connections to Jill Biden and Personal Backgrounds
William Stevenson was married to Jill Biden in the early 1970s and later remarried; his life intersects with Jill Biden’s biography but has been separate for decades. Linda Stevenson, his current wife who died in December, had a distinct local profile as a bookkeeper and family matriarch.
William Stevenson’s Relationship with Jill Biden
William “Bill” Stevenson married Jill Biden (then Jill Jacobs) from 1970 to 1975. The marriage ended long before Jill Biden married Joe Biden in 1977. Public records and news coverage note the early marriage but give few details about the couple’s private life during that period.
Stevenson has resurfaced in news cycles because of recent criminal charges, which revived interest in his past connection to Jill Biden. That connection is factual and historical; Jill Biden’s team has declined to comment about the criminal case.
Linda Stevenson’s Legacy and Family
Linda Stevenson, 64, ran a bookkeeping business and was remembered in her obituary as a family-oriented mother and grandmother. Her daughter, Christine Mae, wrote publicly about the depth of loss and described Linda as someone whose embrace could comfort others.
Linda’s obituary also mentioned her enthusiasm for the Philadelphia Eagles and her role as a community family member. The obituary did not reference her husband, and local reporting has highlighted the family’s shock and grief as legal proceedings continue.
William Stevenson’s Public Profile and Stone Balloon
William Stevenson founded the Stone Balloon, a popular Newark, Delaware music venue, in the early 1970s. The venue contributed to his local reputation as a figure in the regional music scene rather than a public political figure.
Beyond the Stone Balloon, Stevenson’s name appears intermittently in media accounts tied to his past marriage to Jill Biden and now to the criminal charges. He remains in custody on murder charges and has been unable to post $2 million bail, according to reporting.
Reactions from Jill Biden and Joe Biden
Jill Biden’s spokesperson has stated that she has no comment on the ongoing case. There has been no public statement from former President Joe Biden on the matter. Both have maintained distance from the legal proceedings in public communications.
Media outlets and local contacts have focused reactions on the victim’s family, including Christine Mae’s public grief. The Bidens’ limited public response underscores their separation from the case, which involves a decades-old former relationship rather than current family ties.
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