A FAMILY’S FIGHT IS FAR FROM OVER..! – THE LOVED ONES OF AN AUSTRALIAN MUM ALLEGEDLY K!LLED BY HER HUSBAND IN THEIR FLORIDA HOME HAVE REVEALED THEIR NEXT HEARTBREAKING STEP.
Family’s huge legal battle ahead after Aussie mum allegedly murdered by her husband in US
A grieving Aussie family have shared their next step after a 33-year-old mum was allegedly murdered by her husband in their Florida home.
The heartbroken family of a NSW woman who was allegedly murdered by her husband in the US have launched a fierce international legal fight to bring her sons home to Australia.
Back in April, loving mum Meaghan Bowler died from multiple stab wounds after allegedly being attacked by her husband at their Manatee Country, Florida home.
Jessie Nicholas Jones, 39, allegedly confessed to 911 operators that he had stabbed his wife, who was later pronounced dead in hospital.
Family’s huge move after Aussie allegedly murdered in US
A NSW family has revealed…
The 33-year-old left behind her sons Jesse, two, and Elijah, nine months, who were inside the home when their mother was allegedly stabbed and left to bleed out in their bathtub.
With Jones in custody, the two boys are currently living with his mother – but Meaghan’s grieving family is doing everything they can to bring them to Australia.
Her sister Madisson Bowler, 27, wants to eventually adopt her nephews and will be heading to Florida with her father Tony.
“She’d walk into a room and everyone looks at her straight away, her energy, her kindness,” Madisson told Nine News.
Madisson Bowler (right) pictured with her sister Meaghan (left). Picture: Supplied
“We just want them to be happy and healthy. It is like a melting pot of emotions at the moment.
“It could be anywhere from six to 12 months that the process could take. I can’t turn my back on the lives of those two boys.”
According to an affidavit, Jones told police he stabbed Meaghan several times during an argument in the kitchen, allegedly telling dispatchers: “I have stabbed my wife … I hope I didn’t wait too long.”
Jones has been charged with first degree murder and is in custody, having been denied bail, and is awaiting a procedural hearing at the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in Florida on October 8.
He has pleaded not guilty on the grounds of mental health.
Meaghan’s family is facing a difficult legal battle ahead, with neither boys having birth certificates of social security numbers in the US – something they will need before a custody battle can begin.
Meaghan was living with her American husband in Manatee County, Florida. Picture: Supplied
Meaghan’s sons are currently being cared for by their paternal grandmother. Picture: Supplied
“The legal costs alone are going to be astronomical, let alone having to settle there for that amount of time,” she added.
Meaghan’s sister has now launched a GoFundMe to help in their fight, with a goal of reaching $200,000. So far $18,707 has beenr raised.
“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,” she wrote on the donation page.
Meaghan and Madisson with their mother, Stephanie Bowler (centre). Picture: Supplied
The sister wants to eventually adopt her nephews. Picture: Supplied
“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.
“The children currently do not have US birth certificates or Social Security numbers, which has created major delays.
“We also need to complete the process for Australian citizenship by descent. All of this takes time, money, and our physical presence in America.
“Our family is fully committed to this long haul. We are walking away from our businesses for a time.
Jesse Jones has been accused of murder. Picture: YouTube / ABC
Meaghan was allegedly attacked inside her home in Florida. Picture: FOX 13 News
“I will step away from my tennis coaching business, and my dad Tony will pause his photography business, because these boys are worth every sacrifice.
“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.
“All funds raised will go directly toward bringing Jesse and Elijah home to Australia.”
The family have outlined where they plan to use any funds donated, which includes temporary accommodation and living expenses in the US, flights for family members, legal and court costs, as well as documentation and citizenship processes.
News.com.au has reached out the Bowler family for comment.
