The emergency call originated from the Stevenson home located on the outskirts of Wilmington during the late evening hours of December 29. When Delaware State Police units arrived, they were met with a situation that required immediate intervention. According to official police statements, the initial report suggested a heated domestic dispute was in progress. Upon entering the home, law enforcement officers located Linda Stevenson. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The forensic teams and detectives worked throughout the night to process the environment, looking for signs of a struggle or a specific weapon.
Data from the preliminary investigation indicates that the encounter was isolated to the interior of the home. There were no immediate reports of outside intruders or forced entry from the exterior. Neighbors in the affluent area expressed disbelief, describing the couple as visible figures in the community. However, the police report paints a much darker picture of the evening’s events. The swift transition from a 911 call to a murder charge suggests that the evidence found on-site provided probable cause for the immediate arrest of Bill Stevenson. He was transported to a local detention center for processing and questioning by homicide detectives.
The New Castle County Police Department confirmed the case is under active investigation. An autopsy by the Delaware Division of Forensic Science is scheduled to determine the cause and manner of her death. No charges have been filed at this time. Bill Stevenson reportedly called authorities and is cooperating with investigators.
Jill Biden married Bill Stevenson in 1970 while still in college. The union lasted five years, ending in divorce in 1975. Biographers describe her early marriage as difficult and filled with disappointment. Jill Biden later married Joe Biden in 1977, a relationship that has lasted decades.
Stevenson has occasionally spoken publicly about his time with Jill Biden, including claims about campaign interactions and past affairs. The Biden campaign has consistently denied these claims. Experts note that Jill Biden’s ability to compartmentalize personal setbacks allowed her to focus on her education and career, which became defining aspects of her later life.
What is known about the Wilmington domestic death investigation?
Police are treating Linda Stevenson’s death as an active “death investigation.” Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Unit responded to her Wilmington home after a 911 call about a domestic dispute. Authorities have not confirmed any foul play.Following the discovery of his wife’s body, Bill Stevenson was formally charged with first-degree murder. This charge carries significant weight under Delaware law, implying a premeditated or intentional act. Legal experts note that the prosecution will likely lean heavily on the domestic nature of the dispute. Bill Stevenson, 76, has been a figure of public interest for decades. He married Jill Biden in 1970, and the two remained together until their divorce in 1975. In recent years, Stevenson had re-emerged in the public eye, often providing interviews regarding his past relationship with the First Lady.
The current legal situation, however, is entirely focused on his marriage to Linda. The charging documents suggest that the confrontation turned fatal quickly. While a specific motive has not been publicly released by the District Attorney’s office, the “domestic dispute” classification is a central pillar of the case. Stevenson is currently being held as he awaits his initial court appearance. The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is leading the ongoing inquiry. They are currently reviewing 911 audio logs and any available digital evidence from within the home to establish a clear timeline of the fatal encounter.
Investigators are continuing to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and await the results of an autopsy from the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. Police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that all information is preliminary. The community has expressed concern and interest due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the case.
The case has generated broader discussions about domestic disputes and the safety of older adults in private homes. Authorities continue to work carefully, noting that while the public is curious about the circumstances, no definitive conclusions can yet be drawn until forensic analysis is complete.
FAQs:
Q: Who was Linda Stevenson and what happened to her in Wilmington? A: Linda Stevenson, 64, was the wife of Jill Biden’s ex-husband, Bill Stevenson. Police found her unresponsive at her Wilmington, Delaware home on December 28, 2025, following a reported domestic dispute. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead. The cause of death will be confirmed after an autopsy.
Q: How is Jill Biden connected to the investigation?
A: Jill Biden was married to Bill Stevenson from 1970 to 1975, before marrying Joe Biden in 1977. The public connection has drawn media attention, but she is not involved in the investigation. Authorities are focused on collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and awaiting forensic results in Linda Stevenson’s death case.