Husband of Coral Springs vice mayor charged with premeditated murder in her death
The husband of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen is accused of premeditated murder and tampering with evidence after she was found dead Wednesday morning, according to jail records.
Bowen’s body was found at her home in the 800 block of Northwest 127th Avenue at around 10 a.m. after an investigation into her wellbeing, Coral Springs Police Chief Brad Mock told reporters at a news conference.
Mock didn’t say how she died, but said it was being investigated as a domestic violence incident. Officials said an investigation was continuing.
Cellphone video appears to show the arrest of 40-year-old Stephen Bowen. In the footage, his hands are behind his back as an officer stands next to him in Plantation. Stephen Bowen is wearing a long-sleeved shirt, athletic shorts and sneakers.
He was officially booked overnight on charges of first-degree pre-meditated murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, jail records show.
There are no other suspects and no threats to the public, authorities said.
On Thursday morning, Stephen Bowen appeared before a judge in a bond court hearing where he was ordered held without bond.
“I have reviewed the probable cause affidavit. The court does find probable cause for the charges,” the judge said.
An attorney invoked his right to remain silent and not be questioned by law enforcement.
Remembering Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen
Bowen’s family posted a statement on her Instagram following the news of her death.
“While many knew her as a leader and advocate, we knew her as a sister, a daughter, and a friend whose warmth and laughter filled every room,” the statement said in part. “Her legacy will live on not only in the policies she helped shape, but in the countless lives she touched.”
Condolences are pouring in from across the state, including from Tamarac’s vice mayor, Marlon Bolton. Bowen was a former employee in the city of Tamarac and an advocate for the Haitian community.
“Every time you talked with Nancy, it’s all about how can I help the next person,” Bolton said. “Nobody will be able to walk in her shoes.”
He added that she wasn’t just a leader, she was also his friend.
“The state has lost a voice, an advocate, a person who knows that work does not stop at a title,” Bolton said.
The city of Tamarac plans to honor the vice mayor at its next commission meeting.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen. She served her community with dedication and heart, and the impact of her dedicated public service will be felt across Broward County,” Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen said. “Our thoughts are with her family, colleagues, and the Coral Springs community during this difficult time.”
“She had such a good heart, she truly cared about people,” Commissioner Joshua Simmons said. “My soul is heavy, my heart is broken.”
Bowen, who was elected in 2020 and again in 2024, was the first Black and Haitian American woman commissioner of Coral Springs. She was appointed in November to serve a second term as vice mayor.
“To say today is a very dark day for us in Coral Springs is an understatement,” City Manager Catherine Givens said. “Our hearts are truly broken.”
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