Stephen Bowen, 40, husband of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, has been formally charged with premeditated first-degree murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence in connection with her death.
Bowen was arrested late Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Plantation, Florida, after fleeing the couple’s home. Coral Springs police discovered Metayer Bowen’s body inside the residence during a well-being check around 10 a.m. that morning. Authorities are investigating the case as a domestic violence incident.
At his first court appearance on Thursday morning, April 2, a judge ordered Bowen held without bond. Jail records confirm the premeditated murder charge, indicating prosecutors believe the killing was planned.
Nancy Metayer Bowen, 38, was a trailblazing local leader. She made history in 2020 as the first Black and first Haitian-American woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission. She was re-elected in 2024 and served as vice chair of the Florida Democratic Party. She was reportedly preparing to announce a bid for a U.S. congressional seat in the coming days.
Her death has sent shockwaves through South Florida’s political, Haitian-American, and broader communities.
Metayer Bowen was widely respected for her dedication to public service and her representation of diverse communities in Coral Springs. She was not only a colleague but a friend to many local organizations, including L’Union Suite. Her historic achievements made her a rising star in Florida politics.
This tragedy comes just months after the suicide of her younger brother, Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer, a survivor of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. The community had rallied around the family following that loss.
Officers responded to the home after Metayer Bowen missed a scheduled appearance and concerns were raised about her well-being. A friend who spoke with Stephen Bowen found his responses suspicious and alerted police.
Bowen fled the scene and was later apprehended in Plantation. Coral Springs Police Chief Brad Mock stated there are no other suspects, and no motive has been publicly released at this time.
The news has deeply shaken political circles and the Haitian-American community in South Florida. Many leaders and residents have expressed heartbreak over the loss of a dedicated public servant who broke barriers and worked tirelessly for her constituents.
Metayer Bowen leaves behind a legacy of trailblazing leadership, community commitment, and resilience. Tributes are pouring in from colleagues, friends, and supporters who remember her as a passionate advocate and role model.
This case highlights the painful reality of domestic violence, even within prominent families. As the investigation continues, authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding her death.
The Broward County State Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution. The community is mourning a leader taken far too soon.
