Coral Springs Vice Mayor Killed, Husband Charged with Murder

Stephen Bowen allegedly shot his wife Nancy Metayer Bowen three times before sleeping downstairs

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the violence and investigation surrounding this crime.The fatal shooting of Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen exposes the devastating impact of domestic violence in Coral Springs.Coral Springs Today

The Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, Florida, Nancy Metayer Bowen, was found dead in her home on April 1. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, has been charged with premeditated murder and tampering with evidence. Bowen allegedly shot Metayer Bowen three times the night before and then slept downstairs before police were called to check on her the next morning.

Why it matters

Metayer Bowen was the first Black and Haitian American female Commissioner of Coral Springs, serving since 2020. Her death comes just three months after the passing of her younger brother, a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting. This tragic incident has shaken the Coral Springs community and raised concerns about domestic violence.

The details

Police were called to the couple's home after Metayer Bowen failed to attend a meeting. They found her body wrapped in blankets and garbage bags in a second-floor bedroom. A pillow with burn marks and a makeshift silencer were also discovered. Bowen allegedly confessed to his uncle that he shot Metayer Bowen three times the night before because he 'couldn't take it anymore'.

  • On Wednesday, April 1, Metayer Bowen was found dead in her home.
  • On Thursday, April 2, Bowen appeared in court and was charged with premeditated murder and tampering with evidence.

The players

Nancy Metayer Bowen

The Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, Florida, who was the first Black and Haitian American female Commissioner of the city, serving since 2020.

Stephen Bowen

The husband of Nancy Metayer Bowen, who has been charged with premeditated murder and tampering with evidence in her death.

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What’s next

The judge has found probable cause for the charges against Stephen Bowen. He will remain in custody at the Broward County jail as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater awareness and action around domestic violence, especially in the wake of other personal tragedies. Coral Springs has lost a dedicated public servant who was committed to serving her community.