Relatives of a New South Wales woman allegedly killed in the United States are making arrangements to bring her two young children back to Australia.
Alleged murder in Florida
Meaghan Bowler, 32, originally from Terrigal on the NSW Central Coast, was allegedly stabbed to death by her American husband, Jesse Jones, at their Florida home on April 9, according to US court documents. Jones, 39, has been charged with first-degree murder and remains in custody.
The couple's two children — two-year-old Jesse Jr and nine-month-old Elijah — were in the home at the time but were not injured. They have since been in the unofficial care of Jones' mother.
Family's fight for custody
Bowler's father Tony and sister Madisson are planning to temporarily relocate to the US to bring the boys back to Australia. “Meaghan can no longer fight for her children, so we will fight for her,” Tony said. “Defending her legacy and protecting her boys is all I have left.”
He said Australia is where the boys belong — “surrounded by love, stability, and the family Meaghan would have wanted for them”.
Legal and financial hurdles
On a GoFundMe page, Madisson explained that the boys remain in the US without birth certificates or Social Security numbers, creating significant challenges. The family also needs to obtain Australian citizenship by descent for both boys.
“After speaking with our legal team, we have been advised that the fastest and safest way to secure placement of the boys with our family is for us to temporarily relocate to Florida for up to 12 months,” she wrote. Madisson, a 27-year-old tennis coach, said she would have to pause her business, while Tony would step away from his photography business. “Because these boys are worth every sacrifice,” she wrote.
The family hopes the funds raised will cover temporary accommodation, living expenses, airfares, legal costs, and citizenship application fees. “This legal battle is incredibly complex, dealing with two countries and two sets of laws. We can’t do it alone,” Tony said.
Remembering Meaghan
Tony described losing his daughter as “the most devastating event” of his life. He previously told 7NEWS.com.au that Bowler and Jones met online, with Jones travelling to Australia in December 2022 before continuing long-distance. In September 2023, Bowler travelled to the US for what was meant to be a three-month stay but never returned.
“She was just a beautiful, ambitious, kind, and trusting girl,” the 59-year-old said. He described her as a “real people person” who had worked in sales and real estate in Sydney's Mosman before moving to the US, and also in event management with the Sydney Swans. “She was a girl who generally lit up every room she was in,” he said.
Jones has pleaded not guilty on the grounds of mental health. He was denied bail and is due to appear for a procedural hearing on October 8.