Crime

Police: No domestic violence calls to Nancy Metayer’s home before her murder

A memorial to Coral Springs vice mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, a rising political star who was allegedly murdered by her husband in the early hours of April 1, 2026, stands in front of City Hall on April 6, 2026.
A memorial to Coral Springs vice mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, a rising political star who was allegedly murdered by her husband in the early hours of April 1, 2026, stands in front of City Hall on April 6, 2026. abeck@coralspringsflnews.com

The Coral Springs Police Department released more details on police calls to the home of Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen prior to her alleged murder at the hands of her husband, and said none of the earlier calls were related to domestic violence.

On Wednesday, a Miami Herald inquiry showed that officers were called to the home six times from August 2023 to April 2026 for a disturbance, grand theft, animal bite and investigation codes, with the last call being when her body was found, according to Coral Springs police records.

On Friday, the Coral Springs Police Department released further information on these calls:

The Nov. 13, 2023 disturbance call where “a contractor and subcontractor got into a verbal argument over floor work being done on the staircase leading to the second floor.” Metayer was not involved.

The Aug. 6, 2024 call was Metayer reporting a grand theft involving a contractor she hired. The report states that “unknown workers stole assorted liquor and tools from the garage of her residence.” The report says that Metayer estimated the value of the missing items between $800-$1200.

Two separate April 15, 2025 calls were related to animal bites. One of the Bowens’ dogs ran from the house and bit a neighbor’s dog, which was being walked by its owner, according to the report. The dogs were separated, but not before Metayer’s husband, Bowen, fell and was injured. The neighbor was also bitten several times during the separation. The dog that was bitten later needed surgery.

An April 17, 2025 investigation was a follow-up investigation on the dog bite. An officer went to visit the house two days later, the report says, and during the visit one of the dogs bit the officer. In the end, the officer suggested muzzles for both dogs, gates at the door and training.

April 1, 2026: Metayer, 38, was found dead in her bed with three shotgun wounds.

What happened on April 1

That morning, Metayer missed two early meetings which set off alarm bells among her colleagues, one of whom reached out to her husband, Stephen Bowen, 40 to ask about her whereabouts, according to Bowen’s arrest affidavit.

Police said that at this point, Bowen had already shot and killed Metayer, but continued to text her colleagues, telling them he hadn’t been able to reach her and didn’t know where she was.

READ MORE: Coral Springs vice mayor was shot three times with shotgun by husband, report says

Police were sent to the Bowen home at 861 NW 127th Ave. around 10:21 a.m. to do a wellness check, but found no cars and could not reach anyone inside the home. A neighbor had reported seeing Metayer walking her dog around midnight.

About an hour later, the report says, Bowen’s parents arrived, saying they didn’t have a key to the home and hadn’t spoken to their son since the previous afternoon, when he mentioned having a panic attack at work and planning to talk with his wife. His mother said she was unaware of any marital issues.

At 1:51 p.m., Bowen’s uncle called 911, according to the affidavit, saying Bowen had come to his home earlier and confessed that he killed his wife. Police then forced entry into the home, where they found Metayer’s body.

Bowen was arrested at an apartment complex in Plantation, where he was seen handing a bag resembling a firearm case to another man.

READ MORE: ‘Break down the door.’ 911 calls reveal relatives knew Coral Springs vice mayor was in danger

Bowen was charged with premeditated murder and tampering with physical evidence. He is being held in the Broward County Main Jail. He pleaded not guilty on Tuesday.

This story was originally published April 10, 2026 at 5:40 PM.

MM
Milena Malaver
Miami Herald
Milena Malaver covers crime and breaking news for the Miami Herald. She was born and raised in Miami-Dade and is a graduate of Florida International University. She joined the Herald shortly after graduating.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER