Husband Charged with Murder of Fla. Vice Mayor Shot and Killed 3 Months After Her Brother’s Death

In a tragic incident that has shocked the local community, Stephen Bowen has been arrested and charged with the murder of his wife, Nancy Metayer Bowen, who served as the Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, Florida. The 38-year-old politician was discovered dead in her home during a welfare check conducted by the Coral Springs Police Department early on the morning of Wednesday, April 1.

According to a statement from the Coral Springs Police, concerns about Metayer Bowen’s well-being were raised when she failed to attend a scheduled meeting that morning. A staff member reached out to her husband, Stephen Bowen, but he claimed she was unresponsive to messages. Following this, local authorities were contacted, prompting them to investigate the couple’s residence in the 800 block of NW 127th Avenue.

Upon their arrival at the property, police noticed signs of forced entry and damage consistent with gunfire. After their attempts to make contact went unanswered, officials launched a missing persons investigation. Access to the house was obtained around 2:00 p.m. when a relative of Stephen Bowen contacted authorities.

Inside the home, officers found Nancy Metayer Bowen’s body wrapped in blankets and garbage bags in a second-floor bedroom. Also recovered was a pillow bearing burn marks and what appeared to be a makeshift silencer, suggesting premeditated foul play. According to reports, Metayer Bowen had spoken to her mother earlier that Tuesday about a panic attack that her husband experienced at work, but she was unaware of any marital problems.

Signs indicate that Stephen Bowen may have confessed to a family member after the incident. Reports suggest that he admitted to shooting his wife three times before opting to sleep on the downstairs couch. When questioned about his actions, Bowen purportedly stated he “couldn’t take it anymore.”

Law enforcement later located him at an apartment complex in Plantation, where he was believed to have been handing a shotgun bag to another individual. Upon spotting police, Bowen allegedly remarked, “Oh s–t, they’re here for me,” before being taken into custody. He is currently held at Broward County Jail without bond, facing charges of premeditated murder and tampering with physical evidence.

During a court appearance on Thursday, April 2, Stephen Bowen invoked his right to remain silent, as his attorney appeared to prepare for the forthcoming legal battle. The judge acknowledged the evidence presented and deemed there was probable cause for the charges levied against him.

The community mourns the loss of Metayer Bowen, who broke barriers as one of the first Black and Haitian American female Commissioners in Coral Springs. Elected in 2020, she had recently been re-elected and was appointed for a second term as Vice Mayor. In her professional life, she was an environmental scientist and had previously served on the Broward County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Following her untimely death, local government officials released heartfelt tributes, describing Metayer Bowen as “a light in our community,” who brought compassion, strength, and unwavering commitment to public service. The Coral Springs Government’s statement expressed sorrow over her passing and extended condolences to her family and friends, calling for the community to unite in remembrance of her contributions.

The instance of violence is under investigation as part of ongoing concerns regarding domestic abuse. This case highlights the need for increased awareness and support for those experiencing domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a resource for individuals in need, offering confidential assistance and support around the clock.

As the investigation unfolds and the community grapples with its profound loss, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the issues that can sometimes lurk behind closed doors, even among those in positions of public trust. The Coral Springs Police Department has yet to provide further comment as the case develops.