The husband of a Florida politician gearing up to launch a Democratic bid for United States Congress has been arrested for her murder, police said.
Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer-Bowen was found dead inside her home on Wednesday morning. While her cause of death has not yet been provided, Coral Springs Police Chief Brad Mock told reporters it was being investigated as a domestic violence incident.
Her death comes just months after her brother died by suicide, People reported. She was 38 years old.
Metayer-Bowen’s husband, Stephen Bowen, was taken into custody late Wednesday night and charged with premeditated murder and tampering with fabricated evidence. Authorities have so far provided few other details.
Officials also confirmed her death on the Coral Springs Government Facebook page.
“We are heartbroken to share that Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer has died,” they said in a statement. “She was more than a public servant, she was a light in our community.”
Metayer-Bowen became the first Black woman elected to the Coral Springs Commission in 2020, according to the outlet, Florida Politics. Her family also released a statement, remembering her as a passionate woman dedicated to bringing people together and creating positive change.
“While many knew her as a leader and advocate, we knew her as a sister, a daughter, and a friend whose warmth and laughter filled every room,” they said.
“Her legacy will live on not only in the policies she helped to shape, but in the countless lives she touched,” the statement continued. “We are grateful for the outpouring of support and kindness during this difficult time. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her remarkable life and the lasting impact she leaves behind.”