WILMINGTON – The suburbs of Delaware are on edge after the arrest of William “Bill” Stevenson, the first husband of former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Stevenson, 77, was taken into custody Monday and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his current wife, Linda Stevenson.

Police say the arrest comes after a weeks-long investigation into a domestic incident that ended in tragedy in late 2025. While it’s a local homicide case, Stevenson’s connection to a well-known public figure has pushed it into national headlines, pulling attention back to an early part of Jill Biden’s life that has stayed mostly private.

The case began late on December 28, 2025. New Castle County Police reported that officers were sent to the Stevensons’ home in the Oak Hill area of Wilmington after a call about a domestic dispute.

When first responders arrived, they found 64-year-old Linda Stevenson unresponsive in the living room. Police and paramedics tried to save her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was sent to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science for an autopsy.

Bill Stevenson was at the home and reportedly cooperated at first. Still, investigators spent more than a month reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses before prosecutors moved forward. On February 2, 2026, a grand jury indicted the 77-year-old businessman on a charge of first-degree murder.

Who Is Bill Stevenson?

In Delaware, Bill Stevenson is known for founding the Stone Balloon in Newark, a well-known college bar that hosted major acts, including Bruce Springsteen. Outside the state, many people know his name mainly because of his past marriage to Jill Biden.

Stevenson and Jill Biden, then Jill Jacobs, married in February 1970 when she was 18 and attending the University of Delaware. Their marriage lasted five years. In the mid-1970s, as the relationship broke down, Jill met a young Delaware senator named Joe Biden.

Their divorce was finalized in May 1975. Jill Biden went on to build a career in education and served as First Lady of the United States from 2021 to 2025. Stevenson stayed in Delaware and later married Linda. They had been married for close to 40 years when she died.

A Long-Running Dispute in Public

This isn’t the first time Bill Stevenson has drawn attention during the Bidens’ years in the spotlight. In recent years, he spoke out publicly against his ex-wife and her second husband, President Joe Biden.

In interviews and in a memoir, Stevenson challenged the timeline the Bidens have shared about how Joe and Jill met. The Bidens have said they were introduced on a blind date in 1975, after Jill’s first marriage ended. Stevenson claimed their relationship started earlier. Biden spokespeople rejected those claims, calling them recycled and untrue.

Jill Biden has rarely spoken in detail about her first marriage. After news of Stevenson’s arrest, a spokesperson for her office said she would not comment.

Remembering Linda Stevenson

As the case moves into the court system, friends and clients are grieving Linda Stevenson, who was described as loyal and tough.

Linda Stevenson ran a successful bookkeeping business and was a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan. Her obituary describes her as a mother and grandmother who loved family time, especially trips with her daughter and granddaughter. The obituary, published shortly after her death in December, did not mention her husband.

People who knew her have shared shock and sadness about what happened. One neighbor said Linda would do anything for her family and called her death heartbreaking.

Bill Stevenson is being held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington. At his arraignment, a judge set bail at $500,000 cash. As of Wednesday morning, he remained in custody because he had not posted bond.

The Delaware Department of Justice has not released the cause of death or a possible motive, pointing to the ongoing prosecution. If convicted of first-degree murder, Stevenson would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

The trial is expected to bring heavy media coverage, both because of the serious charge and because of Stevenson’s ties to one of the country’s best-known political families. For now, the center of the story is a courtroom in Wilmington, where a once familiar Delaware name is now at the heart of a homicide case.

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Former CNN Host Don Lemon Arrested on Federal Charges

WASHINGTON, D.C. – FBI Director Kash Patel went on Fox News’ Saturday in America to address several issues now facing the bureau. He spoke about the federal election-related probe in Georgia, active investigations into alleged fraud schemes in Minnesota, and what he described as major declines in violent crime across the country, including school shootings.

Patel said the FBI is focused on facts, follows the law, and is working under the current administration’s push for crime reduction and accountability. His remarks come as federal law enforcement actions get heavier attention, especially cases tied to the highly debated 2020 presidential election.

The Georgia probe has drawn intense interest because it touches a still-polarizing topic: claims and counterclaims about how the 2020 election was handled. Patel framed the FBI’s work as evidence-driven, not political, while critics argue the timing and targets raise concerns.

FBI Fulton County Raid and the Search Warrant

Patel’s biggest focus was the FBI search at the Fulton County Elections and Operations Hub in Georgia. The search, carried out in late January 2026, sought records tied to the 2020 election, including original ballots and voter rolls. Court records say the warrant relied on federal laws tied to keeping election materials and bans on voter registration fraud or coercion.

Patel said a federal judge found probable cause for the search. On The Charlie Kirk Show, he described the process plainly: the bureau presented its findings, and the judge approved the warrant based on probable cause. He repeated the same message on Fox News, saying the FBI follows facts and the law, and it acts when a case meets the probable-cause standard under direction from President Trump and the Attorney General.

Fulton County has been a center of dispute since 2020, when Donald Trump narrowly lost Georgia to Joe Biden. Recounts and audits confirmed Biden’s win, but claims of irregularities never fully went away. The search reportedly led to the seizure of hundreds of boxes of records, drawing criticism from local leaders who called it unnecessary and said it could feel intimidating.

Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts and Board of Registration & Elections Chair Sherri Allen said earlier reviews found the county’s elections were fair and lawful, and they don’t expect any change to the 2020 outcome. Some Democrats, including Rep. Nikema Williams, have said the raid looks like political payback instead of proper law enforcement.

Patel rejected that framing. He said the investigation is still active and requires careful review of a “voluminous” amount of evidence. He also said these cases take time when the goal is a full and accurate review. Patel dismissed concerns about statute-of-limitations problems, saying the search was done on time, within the law, and within constitutional limits.

What Patel Says the FBI Is Doing Next

Patel described the Georgia case as ongoing, with the bureau still sorting and reviewing what was collected. He stressed that the FBI will follow the evidence and make decisions step by step, based on what the record supports.

Patel also talked about FBI activity in Minnesota, where the bureau has sent resources to investigate large fraud schemes tied to federal programs. He pointed to cases involving day care centers and possible misuse of public grants, with reports of arrests and multi-agency work.

These Minnesota investigations grew after whistleblower claims and broader concerns about government fraud. In late 2025, Patel said the FBI sent personnel to help “dismantle” these networks.

That effort was linked to actions that included freezing billions in federal funding to several states, including Minnesota. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley has asked for more detail, including a discussion of a new Assistant Attorney General role focused on fraud enforcement.

Patel didn’t spend much time on election-related fraud in Minnesota during this interview, but the state’s role in wider fraud crackdowns has also raised questions about voter rolls and related records. In one reported case, federal requests to access Minnesota voter data were denied, which added to the scrutiny. Patel described the work as part of a national effort to protect taxpayer dollars and stop abuse of public programs.

Critics have called parts of this approach overreach, especially in states run by Democrats. Patel said the FBI is not picking sides, and that agents are following evidence where it leads.

Crime Drops, Including School Shootings

Patel also pointed to what he called a “historic” decline in crime under the current administration. He said the country has seen drops in violent crime, including homicides, mass shootings, and school shootings.

“The FBI has had a historic year in reducing crime across the country,” Patel said, giving credit to President Trump and support for law enforcement. He cited figures he said show mass shootings at a 20-year low and school shootings at the lowest level in five years. Patel tied those results to enforcement strategies like targeted arrests, gang crackdowns (including operations involving groups like the Latin Kings), and closer coordination with local agencies.

He also pointed to Washington, D.C., where he said FBI-led work helped drive down gun crime, carjackings, and homicides, in some cases by more than 50% over certain periods. Patel also referenced a reported 20% drop in the national murder rate, which he said supports projections of a modern-era low in murders.

Patel said the drop in school shootings hits home for him as a parent. He described it as real relief for families and communities.

What This Signals About FBI Priorities

Outside assessments don’t always match every figure or assign credit the same way. Some analysts point to multiple causes, including post-pandemic shifts and local policy choices. Patel still framed the numbers as proof of what the FBI can do when it focuses heavily on violent crime.

Patel’s comments painted a picture of an FBI, he says is back on core work: investigating credible claims, breaking up fraud rings, and pushing violent crime down. By stressing probable cause in Georgia, continuing fraud cases in Minnesota, and claiming improvements in public safety, including school shootings, he aimed to build confidence that the bureau is acting fairly and getting results.

The Georgia case remains unsettled, with Patel offering no forecast on where it ends, only that evidence will shape the next steps. As debates keep going over election integrity, fraud enforcement, and public safety, Patel’s public message was clear: the FBI will pursue leads aggressively, but only within legal limits.

The bureau is operating in a tense environment, facing calls for accountability alongside worries about politics. Whether the Georgia probe uncovers new information or backs earlier conclusions, it has already restarted a national argument about trust in elections and institutions.

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FBI Investigates Who’s Funding and Coordinating ICE Protests and Attacks

LOS ANGELES– Former CNN host Don Lemon was arrested Thursday night in Los Angeles by federal agents. Prosecutors say the arrest ties back to a disruptive anti-ICE protest inside Cities Church in St. Paul earlier this month.

The case has quickly turned into a national flashpoint, with free speech and press rights on one side, and claims of interference with religious worship on the other.

Three others were also taken into custody on Friday in connection with the January 18 incident. They include independent journalist Georgia Fort, along with Trahern Jeen Crews and Jamael Lydell Lundy.

Quick Snapshot of the Case

• Where the protest happened: Cities Church, St. Paul, Minnesota
• Date of the incident: January 18, 2026
• Arrest location for Lemon: Los Angeles
• Main federal charges cited: Civil rights conspiracy and the FACE Act

Arrest in Los Angeles While Covering the Grammys

Don Lemon, 59, was detained while he was in Los Angeles covering the Grammy Awards. He appeared in federal court there on Friday and was released without bond.

Don Lemon has worked as an independent journalist since leaving CNN in 2023. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, called the case an attack on journalism and said the defense will fight the charges.

What Happened at Cities Church in St. Paul

The charges stem from what happened during a Sunday service on January 18. A group of anti-ICE activists entered the church and began chanting phrases such as “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good.” The chants referenced a person activists say was killed in an ICE-related incident.

Activists also directed attention at one of the church’s pastors. They believed he was serving as the acting director of a local ICE field office. Protesters said this created a conflict between immigration enforcement work and Christian teaching.

Video from the incident, including livestreams by Lemon and Fort, shows protesters interrupting the service, confronting congregants, and raising tensions inside the sanctuary.

Don Lemon entered the church with the group and filmed what happened while narrating. Critics say he went beyond reporting and took part in the disruption. Supporters say he was documenting a newsworthy protest in real time.

Church leaders said the interruption lasted several minutes and forced the service to pause. They described it as a coordinated effort that made worshippers feel intimidated.

Federal Charges Filed Against Don Lemon and Co-Defendants

Lemon and the three co-defendants face two main federal counts:

1) Conspiracy to Deprive Civil Rights

Prosecutors cite a Reconstruction-era statute (18 U.S.C. § 241). The allegation is that the group planned to deprive churchgoers of their First Amendment right to freely practice religion. The conspiracy count carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

2) FACE Act Charge Related to Places of Worship

The second count alleges a violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances and Places of Religious Worship Act (FACE Act).

The FACE Act was passed in 1994 and is often linked to clinic access cases, but it also covers houses of worship. It bars the use of force, threats, or physical obstruction to interfere with religious practice.

For first-time offenders, penalties can include up to one year in prison and fines, with higher penalties possible if there is injury or major obstruction.

What Federal Officials Are Saying

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon has spoken publicly about the case in interviews and statements after the protest. Dhillon said Don Lemon “definitely broke the FACE Act,” arguing that disrupting a church service fits the law’s limits. She also warned that officials plan to pursue charges against all involved, including journalists who entered the building.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests on social media. She said the arrests were made “at my direction” in response to what she called a “coordinated attack” on the church.

Lemon is due back in court on February 9, 2026, in federal court in Minneapolis. The case is moving forward in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, where a grand jury has unsealed an indictment.

Prosecutors faced early resistance when a magistrate judge previously declined to issue arrest warrants, citing a lack of probable cause. After an appeal and grand jury action, the case proceeded.

Defense attorneys are expected to raise First Amendment arguments tied to both protest activity and journalism. They may also challenge whether the FACE Act applies to the facts of this incident.

Why This Case Could Shape Future Enforcement

Legal analysts point out that the FACE Act has often been used in cases involving anti-abortion protests. The current enforcement focus highlighted by this case centers on access to religious sites.

That shift could influence how federal law is used when protests move from public spaces into places of worship. The outcome may help define where courts draw the line between protected speech and illegal interference with religious practice.

If convicted, Don Lemon could face significant prison exposure under the conspiracy count, though sentencing outcomes can vary. Pretrial motions, evidence sharing, and possible plea talks could keep the case active for months.

Since the protest, Lemon has stayed active online. On X (formerly Twitter) and on his independent show, he has criticized the DOJ, mocked official statements, and questioned the church’s alleged ties to ICE. He has also accused authorities of selective enforcement.

In one widely shared post, Don Lemon remarked officials receiving “the N-word treatment” when describing what he viewed as government overreach. The comment drew backlash.

Sources close to Don Lemon say he has been frustrated with his career after CNN. They claim he sees high-profile independent coverage as a way to regain mainstream attention, including a possible return to prime-time cable news.

Those claims have not been confirmed by Lemon. What is clear is that his arrest has boosted attention around his reporting, with supporters framing the case as a press freedom fight.

Broader Context: Immigration Tensions and Public Reaction

The protest and arrests come during heightened debate over immigration enforcement. In Minnesota, anti-ICE protests have increased after several high-profile enforcement actions.

City Church officials welcomed the federal charges and said the protest violated a sacred space. Some congregants said they felt threatened during the disruption.

Civil liberties groups, including the ACLU, criticized the arrests and warned about a chilling effect on journalism. They argue reporters should not face criminal liability for covering protests.

Conservative commentators have praised the prosecutions as accountability for what they describe as mob-style tactics inside religious services.

As the case moves forward, it sits at the center of a widening divide over protest rights, religious liberty, and what legal protections apply when demonstrations enter places of worship.