The vice mayor of Coral Springs in Florida, Nancy Metayer Bowen, was shot dead at her home in what police describe as a domestic violence-related incident. Her body was discovered on Wednesday morning, and her Jamaican husband, Stephen Bowen, was arrested later that same day in connection with the killing.
Police have since formally charged him with premeditated murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, according to jail records. Reports say that the lifeless body of Nancy was found by officers who went to the residence around 10 a.m. to carry out a welfare check.
Nancy reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Police have not yet released the full details of her death and are still investigating the incident. By nightfall, her husband was locked up in the local jail, and a bond had been set at $50,000 in connection with the tampering with evidence offence.
Nancy was also the vice chair of the Florida Democratic Party. In addition to her city responsibilities, Bowen played an active role in the Florida Democratic Party as vice chair of Haitian Outreach, working to strengthen community connections and champion initiatives that supported local residents.
Tributes poured in from political colleagues, community leaders, and members of the Florida Democratic Party. Party Chair Nikki Fried described Bowen as someone who “loved her community deeply” and dedicated her life to creating opportunities and support for others. “Her memory will forever be a blessing to our party and to every person whose life she touched,” Fried added.
Bowen’s family also shared their grief publicly, posting on social media that she was “a sister, a daughter, and a friend whose warmth and laughter filled every room.”
The Coral Springs Police Department echoed the family’s sentiments, calling Bowen “a light in our community” and expressing sorrow at her passing.