Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen was discovered dead in her Florida residence on Wednesday morning, April 1, 2026. Police conducted a wellness check at the home on Northwest 127th Avenue around 10 a.m. after receiving concerns about her safety.
Upon entry, officers located Metayer Bowen, 38, deceased inside the property. Authorities quickly identified the incident as domestic in nature and secured the scene for investigators to begin a full forensic analysis.
Shortly after the discovery, her husband, Stephen Bowen, 40, was taken into custody by the Coral Springs Police Department. He has been formally charged with premeditated murder and tampering with physical evidence in connection with the death.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office and local forensic units are assisting in the ongoing investigation. No other suspects are being sought at this time, and police confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Metayer Bowen was a trailblazing figure in South Florida politics. She made history as the first Black and Haitian-American woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission in 2020.
She secured re-election in 2024 and was recently appointed to her second term as Vice Mayor. In addition to her municipal role, she served as the Vice Chair of Haitian Outreach for the Florida Democratic Party.
Sources within the city government indicate that Metayer Bowen was preparing to announce a run for the U.S. Congress today. Her sudden death has stunned colleagues who described her as a compassionate and tireless advocate.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on domestic security matters this week but has not yet commented on this specific case. Florida leaders from both parties have expressed deep condolences to the Metayer family.
Stephen Bowen, a religious nonprofit executive, was booked into the Broward County jail late Wednesday night. He is being held without bond pending his first court appearance scheduled for later this week.
Community members have begun placing flowers and candles outside Coral Springs City Hall to honor her memory. Local officials have ordered flags at municipal buildings to be flown at half-staff across the city.
The Coral Springs Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit is leading the interrogation and evidence review. Investigators are asking anyone with relevant information regarding the couple's recent activities to contact the department immediately.
This tragedy highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence within the community. Legal experts expect a high-profile trial given Metayer Bowen's prominent status in Florida government and her history of public service.