The Strange Case of the Florida Clown Killer

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – A woman who pleaded guilty to dressing as a clown and in 1990 murdering the wife of a man she later married was released from prison Saturday, ending a case that has been strange even by Florida standards. Sheila Keen-Warren, 61, was released 18 months after she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the shooting of Marlene Warren, Florida Department of Corrections records show. The plea deal came shortly before her trial would have started.

Release of Sheila Keen-Warren

  • Sheila Keen-Warren, who has maintained her innocence even after her plea, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
  • She had been in custody for seven years since her arrest in 2017 and was released early due to Florida’s law allowing significant credit for good behavior.
  • Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg stated that she would always be an admitted convicted murderer.

The Murder of Marlene Warren

Marlene Warren was shot by a clown who showed up at her door and handed her balloons. The clown then pulled out a gun and shot her in the face before fleeing. The bizarre nature of the crime puzzled investigators for years.

Suspicions and Arrest

  • Palm Beach County sheriff’s investigators suspected Keen-Warren in the slaying for years but did not make an arrest until 27 years later.
  • Improved DNA testing tied Keen-Warren to evidence found in the getaway car, leading to her arrest in 2017.
  • Witnesses in 1990 claimed that Keen-Warren and Michael Warren, Marlene’s husband, were having an affair, though both denied it.

Evidence and Controversies

  • Employees from a costume shop identified Keen-Warren as the woman who bought a clown suit days before the killing.
  • The getaway car had orange, hair-like fibers inside, and one of the balloons found at the crime scene was sold at a supermarket near Keen-Warren’s home.
  • Defense attorney Rosenfeld argued that the evidence tying Keen-Warren to the crime was weak, including DNA samples and witness testimonies.

Recent Developments and Legal Issues

Michael Warren, Marlene’s husband, was convicted of unrelated charges in the past. Questions have arisen about his potential involvement in his wife’s murder, but he has denied any wrongdoing. The case against Keen-Warren has faced challenges due to the passage of time and the death of key witnesses.

Conclusion

The release of Sheila Keen-Warren marks the end of a long and bizarre chapter in Florida’s criminal history. The case of the Florida clown killer continues to raise questions and intrigue, leaving many to wonder about the truth behind Marlene Warren’s tragic death.

FAQs

1. Was Michael Warren involved in his wife’s murder?

Michael Warren has denied any involvement in his wife’s murder, and he has not been charged in connection with the crime.

2. Why did it take 27 years to arrest Sheila Keen-Warren?

Improved DNA testing in 2017 linked Keen-Warren to evidence found in the getaway car, leading to her arrest after nearly three decades.

3. What challenges did the prosecution face in the case against Sheila Keen-Warren?

The case against Keen-Warren faced challenges due to the passage of time, the death of key witnesses, and controversies surrounding the evidence tying her to the crime.

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