Florida vice mayor found dead, husband arrested for murder

ISTANBUL

A vice mayor in Florida was discovered dead at her home on Wednesday, and her husband was taken into custody on suspicion of premeditated murder, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing authorities.

Police found Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen’s body while carrying out a wellness check, according to a statement on the city’s website. The Coral Springs Police Department in Broward County has launched an investigation.

Following an initial inquiry, Metayer Bowen’s husband, Stephen Bowen, was arrested. “It was determined the incident was domestic in nature,” the statement said, confirming there are currently no other suspects.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office website, Bowen, 40, is being held on charges of premeditated murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

Authorities allege that Bowen fatally shot Metayer Bowen. He was arrested after officials became concerned when she failed to attend scheduled meetings on Wednesday and did not respond to messages, as detailed in an arrest affidavit released Thursday.

Prior to serving as vice mayor, Metayer Bowen made history as the first Black and Haitian American woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission. She was initially elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024.

Last year, fellow commissioners selected her to serve a second term as vice mayor.

In a statement, Metayer Bowen’s family described her as “a cherished member of our family, but also a dedicated public servant who committed her life to improving the lives of others.”

Lawmakers in the state also expressed condolences and shock at the death of the rising star in the Democratic Party.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said in a statement Wednesday that “it is with a broken heart and profound grief that the Florida Democratic Party mourns the sudden and horrific death of our beloved Vice Chair, Nancy Metayer Bowen.”