Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen Shot Dead in Alleged Domestic Violence Incident involving Husband

Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen was fatally shot in Coral Springs. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, is in custody. The tragedy follows her brother's recent death.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 4:23 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from People

Tragedy Strikes High Profile South Florida Leader

The Coral Springs community is mourning the loss of Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, who was found deceased in her residence on Wednesday, April 1. Police initiated a wellness check at the home located on the 800 block of NW 127th Avenue at approximately 10:00 AM, where they discovered the 38 year old official with fatal gunshot wounds. Investigators quickly identified the incident as domestic in nature, marking a violent end to the life of a woman widely regarded as a trailblazing figure in Florida politics and a devoted advocate for her constituents.

Husband Apprehended Following Brief Manhunt

Stephen Bowen, the victim’s husband and the Chief Operating Officer of a local nonprofit, was identified as the sole suspect and taken into custody shortly after the discovery. Law enforcement tracked Bowen to an apartment complex in Plantation, Florida, where he was apprehended without further incident. He was subsequently booked into the Broward County Jail on Wednesday evening. While the specific motives behind the shooting remain under active investigation by the Crimes Against Persons Unit, officials have confirmed that there are no additional suspects and no ongoing threat to the public.

A Legacy of Breaking Barriers in Coral Springs

Metayer Bowen made history in 2020 as the first Black woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission, and she was later re elected in 2024. A former environmental scientist and Florida’s Caribbean Vote Director for the 2024 presidential campaign, her leadership was defined by a commitment to equity and community engagement. Fellow commissioners and local leaders have described her as a compassionate "light" in the city, noting her unwavering strength even when facing the personal and professional pressures of public service. Her death leaves a significant vacancy both in the city government and in the broader South Florida political landscape.