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

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 Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com