Coral Springs Vice Mayor Killed, Husband Charged with Murder

Nancy Metayer Bowen's death investigated as domestic violence incident

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:18pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered cell phone screen, reflecting harsh light and casting dramatic shadows, conceptually representing the violence and tragedy of a domestic violence incident.The violent aftermath of a domestic dispute leaves behind shattered technology, a stark symbol of the human tragedy at its core.Coral Springs Today

The death of Coral Springs, Florida Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen is being investigated as a domestic violence incident, and her husband, Stephen Bowen, has been charged with premeditated murder and tampering with evidence. Metayer Bowen was the city's first Black and Haitian American female commissioner, elected in 2020 and reelected in 2024, and was serving her second one-year term as vice mayor at the time of her death.

Why it matters

Domestic violence incidents involving elected officials are rare but deeply troubling, raising questions about the safety of public servants and the need for greater awareness and support around domestic abuse issues in leadership roles. Metayer Bowen's death has shaken the Coral Springs community, where she was remembered as a beloved leader and champion for environmental justice and equity.

The details

Police found Metayer Bowen dead at her home on Wednesday morning after checking on her well-being. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, 40, was taken into custody and is the only suspect. He has been charged with premeditated murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Metayer Bowen was an environmental scientist and community leader who had served on the Coral Springs City Commission since 2020, including a one-year term as vice mayor that began in November 2025.

  • Metayer Bowen was found dead at her home on Wednesday morning, April 2, 2026.
  • Metayer Bowen was elected to the Coral Springs City Commission in 2020 and reelected in 2024.
  • Metayer Bowen began her second one-year term as vice mayor in November 2025.

The players

Nancy Metayer Bowen

Coral Springs Vice Mayor, the city's first Black and Haitian American female commissioner, elected in 2020 and reelected in 2024.

Stephen Bowen

Husband of Nancy Metayer Bowen, charged with premeditated murder and tampering with evidence in her death.

Brad Mock

Coral Springs Police Chief.

Catherine Givens

Coral Springs City Manager.

Nikki Fried

Chair of the Florida Democratic Party.

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What they’re saying

“She loved her community deeply and believed, with every fiber of her being, that a better and more equitable future was possible for all of us.”

— Nikki Fried, Chair, Florida Democratic Party

“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

What’s next

Stephen Bowen is being held at the Broward County Jail, and a judge will determine whether to grant him bail at a hearing on Tuesday, April 9th.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater awareness and support around domestic violence, even among elected officials and community leaders. It also underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues of gender-based violence and ensuring the safety of public servants who dedicate themselves to serving their communities.