He previously told 7NEWS.com.au that Bowler and Jones met online, with Jones travelling to Australia in December 2022 before the pair continued their relationship long-distance.
A FAMILY’S HEARTBREAK IS FAR FROM OVER..! – THE LOVED ONES OF A NSW WOMAN ALLEGEDLY MURDERED IN THE UNITED STATES ARE NOW FIGHTING TO BRING HER TWO YOUNG CHILDREN HOME TO AUSTRALIA.
‘Meaghan can no longer fight for her children, so we will fight for her.’
The family of a NSW woman who was allegedly murdered in the US is trying to bring her two young children back to Australia.
Meaghan Bowler, a 32-year-old 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 stabbed Bowler several times during an argument in the kitchen before moving her to an upstairs bathtub and calling 911.
The 39-year-old 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 inside the home at the time but were not injured.
They have since been left in the unofficial care of Jones’ mother.
Bowler’s father Tony and sister Madisson are now hoping to put their lives on hold and 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 was where the boys belonged — “surrounded by love, stability, and the family Meaghan would have wanted for them”.
On a GoFundMe page, Madisson said Jesse Jr and Elijah remain in the US without birth certificates or Social Security numbers, creating significant challenges.
The family also need 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.
The 27-year-old tennis coach said she would have to pause her business, while Tony would also step away from his photography business.
“Because these boys are worth every sacrifice,” Madisson wrote.
“We are investing everything we have into giving Jesse and Elijah the best possible chance at life.
“Meaghan would have wanted nothing more than to see her children safe and thriving here in Australia with their loving family.
“As their aunt, I am determined to bring my nephews home to Australia so they can grow up safe, loved, and surrounded by family who will protect them and help them heal.”
The family hopes the funds raised will help cover temporary accommodation and living expenses in the US, airfares, legal costs and Australian 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.
Tony described losing his daughter as “the most devastating event” of his life and said he would never fully recover from it.
He previously told 7NEWS.com.au that Bowler and Jones met online, with Jones travelling to Australia in December 2022 before the pair continued their relationship long-distance.
In September 2023, Bowler travelled to the US for what was meant to be a three-month stay — but never returned.
