Florida Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen Killed Before Congressional Run, Husband Arrested

Bowen, a rising political star, was planning to announce her candidacy for Congress the day after her death.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nancy Metayer Bowen, the Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, Florida, was found dead in her home just one day before she was set to announce her candidacy for Congress. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, has been arrested and charged with premeditated murder and tampering with evidence.

Why it matters

Metayer Bowen was a political rising star, the first Black and Haitian American woman to serve as a commissioner in Coral Springs. Her death is the latest in a series of political killings that have shaken the country in recent years, raising concerns about the safety of elected officials.

The details

On Wednesday, April 1, authorities entered Metayer Bowen's home on a welfare check after she missed a planned event. They discovered her deceased in her upscale home in a gated community. Police immediately began investigating her death as a domestic violence incident and a manhunt began for her husband, Stephen Bowen. He was later arrested about 12 miles away in Plantation and has been charged with premeditated murder and tampering with evidence.

  • On Wednesday, April 1, authorities discovered Metayer Bowen's body in her home.
  • Metayer Bowen was planning to announce her candidacy for Congress on Thursday, April 2.

The players

Nancy Metayer Bowen

The Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, Florida, who was a rising political star and planned to run for Congress before her death.

Stephen Bowen

The husband of Nancy Metayer Bowen, who has been arrested and charged with her murder.

Jared Moskowitz

A Florida state representative who expressed shock at Metayer Bowen's tragic killing and revealed her planned congressional run.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She was a true political rising star — snuffed out by an evil act.”

— Jared Moskowitz, Florida State Representative

What’s next

Investigators will continue to process the crime scene and gather evidence as the case against Stephen Bowen moves forward.

The takeaway

Metayer Bowen's death is a tragic loss for the Coral Springs community and the state of Florida, highlighting the ongoing risks and vulnerabilities that elected officials face. Her promising political career was cut short, raising renewed concerns about domestic violence and the safety of public servants.