Jamaican man in Florida arrested for shooting death of his wife

The Vice Mayor of Coral Springs in Florida, Nancy Metayer-Bowen, has been shot dead and her Jamaican husband, Stephen Bowen, has since been arrested.

The Coral Springs Police Department report that around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, cops were called to the woman’s home to check on her well-being and found her dead with a gunshot wound to the head.

Her 40-year-old husband was subsequently taken into custody.

The police department indicated that, through the preliminary investigation, it was determined that the incident was domestic in nature.

“At this time, there are no additional suspects being sought or threat to the community. The Coral Springs Police Department Crimes Against Persons Unit (CAPS) is actively investigating the incident.”

Checks made with the Broward Sheriff's Office website show that the man is being held for premeditated murder and tamper with or fabricate physical evidence.

No bond has been offered on the murder offence, but a bond of $50,000 has been offered on the tampering offence.

The reports state that Mateyar-Bowen was the city’s first black and Haitian American female commissioner.

She was appointed vice mayor by her fellow commissioners following her re-election in 2024 as commissioner.

She is a former environmental scientist before her entry into politics.

In a post on its Facebook page, the city of Coral Springs said, “We are heartbroken to share that Vice Mayor Nancy Mateyar has died. She was more than a public servant. She was a light in our community. Her leadership was grounded in compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to others. Her impact on Coral Springs is immeasurable and her loss leaves a void in our hearts.”

Several Jamaicans in the South Florida community, including Mayor of Marimar Denise Grant, praised the vice mayor and expressed sadness at her passing.

Former Global Jamaica Diaspora Council member, Dr Allan Cunningham, who has interacted with her on a number of occasions, described her as a truly “nice person” who cared about her community.

Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair, has also expressed regret at her killing, telling The Gleaner that he has worked with her on several occasions.

“She was a really nice person who had the interest of her community at heart.”

- Lester Hinds

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