BREAKING: Jill Biden’s ex-husband charged with first-degree murder in Delaware
Authorities in Delaware have arrested Bill Stevenson, the former husband of First Lady Jill Biden, and charged him with first-degree murder in the death of his current wife, Linda. This is a fast-moving case with major legal stakes. The charge is among the most serious in state law. The court process begins now, and every step will matter.
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What we know now
Police took Stevenson into custody earlier today. Investigators say Linda Stevenson was found dead, and they believe a crime occurred. A state prosecutor has approved a first-degree murder charge. The case file remains limited, and details about evidence are not yet public.
- The defendant is Bill Stevenson, Jill Biden’s former spouse
- The victim is his current wife, Linda
- He faces a first-degree murder count under Delaware law
- A judge will decide initial detention and conditions soon
Stevenson is charged, not convicted. He will appear before a judge for an initial hearing. The court will set the next steps, including counsel, detention, and scheduling.
A criminal charge is an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless the state proves guilt in court.
The legal road ahead
Delaware treats first-degree murder as a Class A felony. A conviction can mean life in prison. Before any trial, the state must show probable cause. That can happen in two ways. The prosecutor can seek a grand jury indictment, or the court can hold a preliminary hearing.
At the first appearance, Stevenson will be advised of his rights. He has the right to a lawyer and the right to remain silent. The judge will address pretrial release. For a violent felony, the court can order detention if it finds strong grounds. If release is allowed, strict conditions are common, such as no contact orders and close supervision.
Expect filings on discovery, evidence preservation, and possible protective orders. Autopsy results and forensic reports will be central. If pretrial publicity becomes intense, the defense could ask for a change of venue or a jury questionnaire to protect a fair trial. The judge can also issue guidance to lawyers to limit public statements that could taint a jury.
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What this is not
This case is a state criminal matter. It has no connection to federal policy, the White House, or the First Lady’s official duties. Jill Biden holds no legal role in this prosecution. The legal question is narrow. Did the state gather enough evidence to prove a crime by this defendant, beyond a reasonable doubt.
Public figure ties can draw attention, but they do not change the rules. The same criminal procedure, ethical duties, and judicial standards apply.
Delaware judges must avoid even the appearance of bias. If any court official has a personal tie to the parties, recusal rules would require stepping aside. Prosecutors must follow strict ethics on conflicts and evidence disclosure. Those guardrails protect both the defendant’s rights and the integrity of the process.
Citizen rights and public access
This case touches core civic values. Open courts are a default in Delaware. Charging documents, hearings, and dockets are often public. Some records may be sealed to protect privacy or preserve evidence. Victims’ families have rights to be informed and to be heard at key stages, including at any bail hearing and at sentencing if the case reaches that point.
If you live nearby, you may see increased police presence. You may also receive media requests. You are not required to speak to reporters. If police contact you in connection with the case, you have the right to ask if you are free to leave. You also have the right to an attorney before answering questions.
If you are contacted by law enforcement and feel uncertain, ask clearly if you are being detained. If not, you can leave. You can also request a lawyer before any interview.
What to watch next
The timeline now moves quickly. Look for an initial appearance and a detention decision within hours or days. An indictment could follow soon after, or the court may calendar a preliminary hearing. The state will secure autopsy results and forensic evidence. The defense will assess discovery and may file early motions.
The court will balance two duties. It must protect the defendant’s rights and the integrity of the jury pool. It must also respect the public’s right to know. That balance is the heart of a fair system.
Conclusion
This is a solemn case. A woman has died, and a man’s liberty is at stake. The law requires patience and proof, not rush and rumor. We will follow each filing and hearing, and we will bring you clear updates on the legal moves that matter most. ⚖️
