Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen killed in domestic violence incident

Bowen's husband Stephen Bowen is in police custody following a manhunt

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:39am

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Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen was shot and killed Wednesday in her home, a devastating end to the life of a rising political star that authorities are investigating as a domestic violence incident. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, is in police custody following a multi-agency manhunt that ended in Plantation.

Why it matters

Metayer Bowen was a barrier-breaker, becoming the first Black and Haitian American woman elected to the Coral Springs Commission in 2020. She was a rising political figure, serving as the Florida Caribbean Vote Director for the Biden and Harris campaigns in 2024 and the Vice Chair of Haitian American Voter Engagement for the Florida Democratic Party. Her death is a profound loss for the community and the Democratic Party.

The details

The incident unfolded Wednesday morning after a friend, unable to reach Metayer Bowen, contacted Stephen Bowen. When the friend found his response suspicious, they alerted law enforcement. Coral Springs Police Chief Brad Mock confirmed that officers conducted a wellness check at the residence around 10 a.m., where they discovered Metayer Bowen deceased. Stephen Bowen initially fled the scene but was later apprehended in Plantation.

  • On Wednesday morning, a friend contacted Stephen Bowen after being unable to reach Nancy Metayer Bowen.
  • Around 10 a.m., Coral Springs police conducted a wellness check at the residence and discovered Metayer Bowen deceased.
  • Stephen Bowen fled the scene but was later apprehended in Plantation.

The players

Nancy Metayer Bowen

The 38-year-old Coral Springs Vice Mayor and first Black and Haitian American woman elected to the Coral Springs Commission in 2020. She was a rising political figure, serving as the Florida Caribbean Vote Director for the Biden and Harris campaigns in 2024 and the Vice Chair of Haitian American Voter Engagement for the Florida Democratic Party.

Stephen Bowen

The husband of Nancy Metayer Bowen, who is in police custody following the shooting incident.

Brad Mock

The Coral Springs Police Chief, who confirmed the details of the incident during a press conference.

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What they’re saying

“Nancy was not simply our Vice Chair of Haitian Outreach. She was a scientist. An environmentalist. Above all, Nancy was my friend and a friend to everyone who has ever believed that democracy was worth fighting for.”

— Nikki Fried, Florida Democratic Party Chair

“This loss is not just a political one; This proves a human one. No community should have to grieve a leader taken from them by violence.”

— Fentrice Driskell, House Democratic Leader

“I secure up every day and go to work so that young women don't have to die like this anymore.”

— Rosalind Osgood, Senator

What’s next

The State Attorney's Office will review the evidence to determine formal charges against Stephen Bowen. While police have classified it as a domestic violence incident, the specific degree of murder or manslaughter charges will depend on the autopsy results and further forensic investigation.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Nancy Metayer Bowen, a rising political star and advocate for her community, highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for continued efforts to address this issue and support victims. Her absence leaves a void in voter engagement leadership that will be difficult to fill, and her community is left to grapple with the loss of a leader who fought for safety and equity.