Nancy Metayer Bowen, the vice mayor of Coral Springs, was discovered deceased on Wednesday in her home located in the 800 block of Northwest 127th Avenue. This tragic discovery came about following a welfare check initiated by municipal colleagues who grew concerned after she missed scheduled meetings.
Brad Mock, the Chief of Coral Springs Police, confirmed the discovery of her body around 10 a.m. and indicated that the case is being treated as a potential incident of domestic violence.
Her husband, Stephen Bowen, aged 40, was apprehended on the same day and faces charges of first-degree premeditated murder along with tampering or fabricating physical evidence.
According to reports, the last text message sent from the victim's phone was to a local official discussing "talking points" at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, mere hours before her absence raised alarms among her peers.
Details of the Crime
The arrest report alleges that Bowen shot his wife three times with a shotgun on Tuesday night. He reportedly slept downstairs afterward and subsequently wrapped her body in blankets and black garbage bags, leaving it on the bed in the master bedroom on the second floor.
Police discovered three spent shotgun shells bundled in the blankets along with the body, as well as a pillow that had burn marks and string, seemingly fashioned as a makeshift silencer.
Outside the home, damage akin to an explosion was noted on the second floor, consistent with shotgun blasts.
Confession and Arrest
Bowen confessed the crime to his uncle around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, admitting he could no longer endure the situation, and asked his uncle to store the shotgun for a couple of weeks. The uncle alerted authorities by calling 911 at 1:15 p.m., reporting that Bowen had admitted to harming his wife and that she was no longer alive.
Authorities tracked Bowen's vehicle and found him in a parking lot in Plantation, where he attempted to hand over the weapon in a bag to another individual. Upon spotting the police, Bowen remarked, "Oh sh--, they're coming for me." The shotgun was retrieved at the scene.
On Thursday, a Broward County judge denied Bowen bail, determining there was probable cause for the charges against him.
A Legacy of Service
Nancy Metayer Bowen was a pioneering figure in Coral Springs, recognized as the first Black and Haitian-American woman elected as a city commissioner in November 2020. She was re-elected in 2024 and appointed vice mayor in November 2025 for a one-year term.
Mayor Mark Bogen commended Bowen for her service, stating that she "served her community with dedication and heart, and the impact of her public service will be felt throughout Broward County."
Commissioner Joshua Simmons expressed a more personal tribute: "She had such a good heart, she truly cared about people. My soul is heavy, my heart is broken."
The victim's family released a statement highlighting that "while many knew her as a leader and advocate, we knew her as a sister, daughter, and friend whose warmth and laughter filled every room."
Understanding the Tragic Events in Coral Springs
Who was Nancy Metayer Bowen?
Nancy Metayer Bowen was a prominent figure in Coral Springs, known as the first Black and Haitian-American woman elected as a city commissioner and later served as vice mayor.
What charges is Stephen Bowen facing?
Stephen Bowen is facing charges of first-degree premeditated murder and tampering or fabricating physical evidence.
How did police discover Nancy Metayer Bowen's body?
Police discovered her body after a welfare check was requested by her colleagues due to her absence from scheduled meetings.