Haitian American Vice Mayor Killed in Domestic Tragedy

The death of Coral Springs leader Nancy Metayer Bowen sparks grief and calls for change in Caribbean diaspora communities.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:22pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty political podium or lectern, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of loss and the absence of a rising political voice.The tragic death of Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen leaves a void in Caribbean American political leadership and a community grappling with intimate partner violence.Coral Springs Today

Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, a rising Haitian American political leader, was killed in what authorities have described as a domestic incident. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, has been charged with first-degree murder. Metayer Bowen's death has sent shockwaves through Caribbean diaspora communities, who are grappling with the loss of a trailblazing voice and the deeper issues her tragedy has brought to light, including intimate partner violence and barriers to support within immigrant communities.

Why it matters

Metayer Bowen was not just a local elected official, but a key figure in mobilizing Caribbean voters in Florida and expanding diaspora representation in U.S. politics. Her death leaves a void in a growing movement aimed at strengthening civic engagement and leadership among Caribbean Americans. It also highlights the urgent need to address domestic violence and the unique challenges faced by immigrant communities in accessing support and resources.

The details

Police have charged Metayer Bowen's husband, Stephen Bowen, with first-degree murder following her death inside their home. Authorities have described the case as domestic in nature. Bowen, who has an active license as a certified radiologic technologist, was also listed as the chief operating officer of a nonprofit organization. Metayer Bowen's body was found wrapped in a comforter and black trash bags in the bedroom of their home after her coworkers became concerned that she had not shown up for scheduled city meetings.

  • On Wednesday, officers found Metayer Bowen's body in the bedroom of her home.
  • At a first-appearance hearing in Broward County Court on Thursday morning, a judge ordered Bowen held without bond.

The players

Nancy Metayer Bowen

The 38-year-old Haitian American Coral Springs Vice Mayor who was killed in a domestic incident. She was a trailblazer, the first Black and Haitian American woman elected to the Coral Springs Commission, and a key figure in mobilizing Caribbean voters in Florida.

Stephen Bowen

Metayer Bowen's 40-year-old husband, who has been charged with first-degree murder in her death. Bowen has an active license as a certified radiologic technologist and was listed as the chief operating officer of a nonprofit organization.

Catherine Givens

The Coral Springs City Manager who announced that the city will have a behavioral health program available to employees following Metayer Bowen's death.

Joshua Simmons

A Coral Springs Commissioner who spoke on behalf of the commission, saying that it is now "incomplete" without Metayer Bowen.

Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer

Metayer Bowen's younger brother, who died by suicide in December at the age of 26.

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What they’re saying

“What's worse is the tremendous grief that her family must endure. If you knew Nancy, her family was everything. ... She wasn't just a leader; she was the light in every room that she entered. She was a steady voice in difficult times, a compassionate soul who lifted others up and a friend to so many.”

— Catherine Givens, Coral Springs City Manager

“She had such a good heart. She truly cared about people, even when people were saying some of the most horrible things about her and us. She still cared, rolled up her sleeves, went to every event that she could go to because she truly cared about people and making sure people had a relationship with their elected officials.”

— Joshua Simmons, Coral Springs Commissioner

“Nancy and I worked side by side in the reproductive rights movement for years, and I've been honored to call her not just a colleague, but a dear friend. She was brilliant, compassionate, and deeply committed to justice. I'm heartbroken by this loss, her future in politics and leadership was only just beginning, and our communities will feel that absence profoundly.”

— Anna Eskamani, Florida State Representative

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Stephen Bowen out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need to address domestic violence and the unique challenges faced by Caribbean and immigrant communities in accessing support and resources. Metayer Bowen's death has left a void in a growing movement to strengthen diaspora representation and civic engagement, underscoring the importance of continuing her work to amplify Caribbean voices and open doors for future leaders.