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Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary

'Killer Clown' Case: Sheila Keen-Warren Pleads Guilty in 1990 Florida Murder

Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary

True Crime Today

News Commentary, True Crime, News

3.3907 Ratings

🗓️ 5 November 2024

⏱️ 8 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Sheila Keen-Warren, widely known as the "killer clown," recently pled guilty to second-degree murder, closing a nearly 30-year-old cold case that haunted Palm Beach County. Keen-Warren admitted to her role in the fatal shooting of Marlene Warren in a crime that shocked Florida in 1990, as the attacker wore a clown costume, arriving with balloons and flowers in hand.

On the day of the murder, Marlene Warren was at her Wellington, Florida home when a person dressed as a clown came to her door, presenting a bouquet and two balloons. Witnesses reported that Marlene, 40, admired the surprise before the clown suddenly produced a gun, shooting her in the face. Marlene’s son, who was also present, witnessed the horrific scene. Despite a lengthy investigation, the case went cold for decades.

Authorities reopened the case in 2014, leading to a breakthrough in 2017 when forensic evidence and witness testimonies implicated Sheila Keen-Warren, who had married Marlene’s widower, Michael Warren, years after the murder. Detectives linked Sheila to a purchase of the clown costume, as well as the car used during the crime. Following her arrest in 2017, Keen-Warren was charged with first-degree murder.

In a recent plea deal, Sheila Keen-Warren admitted guilt for second-degree murder, allowing her to potentially avoid the death penalty. As part of the plea arrangement, she received a 12-year prison sentence, factoring in time served since her 2017 arrest. Keen-Warren could be eligible for release soon, pending good behavior credits.

Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg described the plea as a resolution to a “unique and complex case,” noting that the plea deal brought long-awaited closure to the Warren family and the community.

Marlene Warren’s family members, relieved by the resolution, spoke about their emotional journey. "This has been a long road," one family member said. "We’re grateful that Marlene’s story has finally reached justice."

The bizarre nature of the case—an assailant dressed as a clown—captivated public attention, with theories and speculations around Marlene Warren's murder remaining a topic of discussion for decades. Sheila Keen-Warren’s admission marks the conclusion of one of Florida’s most notorious murder cases.

#KillerClownCase #FloridaMurder #ColdCaseSolved #JusticeForMarlene #TrueCrime #SheilaKeenWarren #WellingtonMurder
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Transcript

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0:00.0

Broadcasting live from the true crime today's studios to the world.

0:05.8

To the world.

0:06.6

This is Murder in the Morning with Tony Brewski and Stacey Cole.

0:10.4

From the hit killers podcast.

0:13.7

Murder in the morning.

0:17.1

We're going to go all the way back to the 1990s.

0:21.9

Remember that time?

0:24.0

A better place in time.

0:26.2

Not if you were Sheila Keene Warren, also known as the clown killer.

0:32.7

You got convicted of murder back then in 1990.

0:37.2

And this is not

0:38.3

John Wayne Gacy

0:39.2

clown killer, by the way.

0:40.9

This is a different clown.

0:42.6

What is it with clowns?

0:44.0

I've got,

0:44.9

what is,

0:45.2

I don't even remember

0:46.0

what it's called,

0:46.9

but I'm,

0:47.5

I'm deathly afraid of clowns.

0:49.3

Like I,

...

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