Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Infamous Clown Murder Case Sees Release of Convicted Woman
Sheila Keen-Warren, a woman who dressed as a clown in 1990 to murder Marlene Warren, was released from prison on Saturday after serving only 18 months of a plea agreement related to the high-profile case that puzzled investigators and the community for decades. At 61 years old, Keen-Warren had entered a guilty plea in 2022 to second-degree murder, averting a potential life sentence.
Details of the Crime
The shocking incident occurred in May 1990 when Marlene Warren, then 40, answered her door to find a clown who handed her balloons. Shortly after, the clown brandished a gun and shot her in the face, fleeing the scene. This violent act left the community in fear and confusion, especially as the identity of the clown remained a mystery for years.
Long Investigation Leads to Arrest
Although Keen-Warren was suspected for years, it wasn’t until 2017 that she was arrested. Advances in DNA technology linked her to the evidence discovered in the getaway car, which had been abandoned shortly after the murder. Investigators claimed that fibers found inside the vehicle connected her to the incident, despite her attorney, Greg Rosenfeld, asserting that the evidence was insufficient.
Plea Deal and Release
Keen-Warren pleaded guilty just before her trial was scheduled to begin. Her decision came with the understanding that she would be released within about two years, given the time served and good behavior credits under the law at that time. The plea deal acknowledged her as a convicted murderer, a fact that Dave Aronberg, Palm Beach County State Attorney, emphasized, stating, “Sheila Keen-Warren will always be an admitted convicted murderer and will wear that stain for every day for the rest of her life.”
Family Reactions
The victim’s son, Joseph Ahrens, along with witnesses from that day, recounted the chilling events of his mother’s murder. As the investigation unfolded, relatives claimed Marlene suspected her husband, Michael Warren, of infidelity, and feared for her safety, even reportedly telling her mother, “If anything happens to me, Mike done it.” While Michael Warren, who has never been charged in her death, has denied involvement, he was previously convicted of unrelated charges.
Questions About the Evidence
Defense attorney Rosenfeld has pointed out flaws in the evidence against Keen-Warren. He cited disturbing discrepancies in DNA findings, asserting that one DNA sample showed both male and female genes, casting doubt on its connection to her. Additionally, a hair found in the vehicle could have easily been transferred there before the car was reported stolen.
A Case of Lost Time
Aronberg acknowledged complications in the case, which took nearly three decades to reach trial due to a multitude of factors—including the death of key witnesses. This long timeline has raised frustrations among observers who question the integrity of the judicial process concerning older cases.
Aftermath and Moving Forward
With her release, Keen-Warren returns to her family, since she had been married to Michael Warren since 2002, years after the initial crime. The couple relocated to Virginia, operating a restaurant near the Tennessee border. Keen-Warren’s future remains uncertain as the community continues to grapple with the implications of her past actions.
Conclusion
The case of Marlene Warren’s murder remains a chilling reminder of the complexities of justice and the enduring impact of crime on families and communities. The release of Sheila Keen-Warren brings closure in one sense, yet it also revives painful memories for those affected by that tragic day in 1990.
