Coral Springs vice mayor found dead inside her home, her husband is in custody, police say

The Coral Springs Police Department is conducting a death investigation involving Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, officials said Wednesday. 

Authorities say they went to Metayer Bowen's home, located at the 800 block of Northwest 127th Avenue, to check on her well-being. That's when they found a deceased black female victim, whom they identified as the vice mayor.

In a press conference at Coral Springs City Hall on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said that her death seems to be a domestic incident, and her husband, Stephen Bowen, is in custody as a suspect in her death. 

The city manager, in the press conference, said that the city is taking steps to help its employees grieve her death. 

Her family wrote a statement regarding her death on Instagram, stating in part: "She was not only a cherished member of our family, but also a dedicated public servant who committed her life to improving the lives of others." 

The statement says Metayer Bowen led the city with "integrity, compassion, and an unwavering sense of purpose." 

Her family also said that to them, "she was a source of strength, wisdom, and love... we knew her as a sister, a daughter, and a friend whose warmth and laughter filled every room." 

The statement ends with the family saying they will not only mourn her loss, but also "celebrate her remarkable life and the lasting impact she leaves behind." 

Florida politicians are reacting to Metayer Bowen's death. 

Rep. Jared Moskowitz posted on X: "I'm in shock. I was just with her on Saturday. She just buried her brother. She was about to announce she was running for Congress." He also called her "one of the nicest people" he's worked with and that she was "always fighting for her community" and "always pushing to help."  

He finished the post with "She had such a future. This is terrible." 

State Rep. Angie Nixon also issued a statement, saying she is also in "total shock" and is "devastated," calling the vice mayor her friend, colleague and sister in the movement.

"She was a kind and caring person, and a true leader in her community. This is an immense loss for all of us, and the world is darker without her. I am keeping Nancy's family in my thoughts and prayers." 

The Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen also issued a statement, expressing sadness over Metayer Bowen's death. 

"She served her community with dedication and heart, and the impact of her dedicated public service will be felt across Broward County," Bogen said. 

Officials have not disclosed her cause of death or the circumstances surrounding Stephen Bowen's arrest.