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Ex-Husband of Jill Biden Charged in 44-Year-Old Murder Case

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. ll-biden-charged-in-44-year-old-murder-case.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 23:41 GMT by Fox News
      Locales: Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, UNITED STATES

Wilmington, Delaware - February 17, 2026 - In a stunning development that has resurfaced a decades-old tragedy, Jonathan Tiggs, 59, the ex-husband of First Lady Jill Biden, has been formally charged with the second-degree murder of his wife, Diane Shields. The arrest, made on Monday morning, brings closure to a 44-year-old cold case that has haunted family members and investigators alike.

Diane Shields, 26, was found brutally stabbed to death in her Wilmington, Delaware home on June 17, 1982. The initial investigation immediately focused on Tiggs, who was a person of interest, but insufficient evidence at the time prevented any charges from being filed. For decades, the case remained unsolved, a painful reminder of loss for Shields' family and a shadow over the lives of those connected to the individuals involved.

The case was reopened in 2019 by investigators determined to leverage advancements in forensic technology. The breakthrough came with the application of modern DNA analysis to evidence collected from the crime scene. According to sources within the Delaware Department of Justice, this new analysis definitively linked Tiggs to the murder, prompting authorities to finally make an arrest.

"This case highlights the incredible power of evolving forensic science," stated Delaware Attorney General Eleanor Vance in a press conference this afternoon. "What was once considered unsolvable due to limitations in technology is now yielding results. We owe it to Diane Shields and her family to pursue every avenue of justice, no matter how long ago the crime occurred."

Tiggs had a prior criminal record, serving time in prison on unrelated charges. He was released in 2016, and his past undoubtedly complicated the renewed investigation. However, authorities stressed that the current charges are based solely on the DNA evidence connecting him to Shields' death.

The most poignant detail emerging from the investigation are letters reportedly penned by Tiggs while incarcerated. These letters, addressed to a close friend, reveal a surprisingly tender side, with Tiggs repeatedly referring to Shields as the "greatest thing in my life." The content of these letters, while seemingly contradictory to the alleged crime, is now being scrutinized by investigators as they attempt to understand the complex dynamics of the relationship between Tiggs and Shields.

Brenna Shroder, Shields' daughter, spoke to reporters shortly after the announcement of the arrest. "I'm just glad that we're finally getting some closure," she stated, her voice filled with emotion. "It's been a long time coming, and while it won't bring my mother back, it brings a measure of peace knowing someone will finally be held accountable." Shroder, who was only a toddler when her mother was murdered, has dedicated years to seeking justice for her mother, persistently contacting authorities and advocating for the case to be reopened. Her tireless efforts are widely credited with keeping the case alive and ultimately contributing to the recent developments.

The arrest has understandably drawn significant attention due to Jill Biden's connection to Tiggs. The White House issued a brief statement acknowledging the situation, offering condolences to the Shields family and emphasizing the importance of due process. Sources indicate that the First Lady is cooperating fully with the investigation, though understandably maintaining a degree of privacy during this difficult time.

Tiggs was arraigned on Monday and is currently being held without bail. His attorney, when contacted, declined to provide a statement, citing the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month, where prosecutors are expected to present the DNA evidence and other supporting details. The case is expected to be a lengthy and complex legal battle, attracting national media coverage and raising questions about the long-term impact of cold case investigations in the age of advanced forensic technology. The Delaware Department of Justice has committed significant resources to ensure a thorough and just resolution to this decades-old tragedy.