Introduction

In a shocking turn of events, Sheila Keen-Warren, a convicted killer infamous for committing murder while dressed as a clown, has been released from prison after serving only part of her sentence. The 61-year-old woman was implicated in the chilling 1990 murder of Marlene Warren, the estranged wife of her then-boyfriend. After entering a guilty plea to the second-degree murder charge, Keen-Warren was sentenced to 12 years but was credited for the time already served since her arrest in 2017, benefiting from Florida's good behavior laws.

Guilty Plea and Release

Though she has pleaded guilty, Keen-Warren has maintained that she is innocent of the crime. Following her release this past Saturday, her lawyer, Greg Rosenfeld, expressed satisfaction, stating, "We are absolutely thrilled that Ms. Keen-Warren has been released from prison and is returning to her family." Rosenfeld argued that accepting the plea deal was a strategic move to avoid a potential life sentence.

Details of the Murder

The details of the murder are both grisly and compelling. On the day of the crime, Marlene Warren was shot in the face by an assailant dressed as a clown who had arrived at her doorstep delivering balloons. The case went cold for almost three decades until advances in DNA testing linked Keen-Warren to evidence found in the getaway vehicle.

Investigation and Suspicions

Investigators originally suspected Keen-Warren, who had been employed by Marlene’s husband, Michael Warren, but they couldn't secure an arrest until 27 years after the incident. Eyewitness testimonies placed her at the scene in chilling fashion, with witnesses recalling her purchasing a clown suit days before Marlene’s murder.

The Getaway Car and Unsolved Mystery

The story took an equally bizarre twist with the discovery of the getaway car—a stolen Chrysler convertible found abandoned and containing orange fibers, presumed to be hair, alongside balloons linked to the crime. The unsolved mystery deepened when it was revealed that Marlene had confided to her mother that if anything were to happen to her, it would be Michael who was responsible.

Michael Warren's Background

While Michael Warren has not faced any charges related to the murder, his criminal history includes convictions for theft and fraud, which only adds to the cloud of suspicion hanging over him. After his wife's murder, he ultimately remarried Sheila in 2002, and the couple has since opened a restaurant in Virginia.

Reflections on the Case

The Palm Beach County State Attorney, Dave Aronberg, reflected on the case saying, “Sheila Keen-Warren will always be an admitted convicted murderer and will wear that stain for every day for the rest of her life.” However, the prosecution has encountered serious challenges, with key evidence losing credibility over the years and concerns raised about the validity of the remaining evidence.

Conclusion

As Sheila Keen-Warren walks free, both her supporters and detractors will continue to debate the implications of her release. Will this notorious figure become a cautionary tale of justice gone awry, or could it reignite interest in the now 33-year-old unsolved murder case that still haunts the community? The chilling saga of the killer clown is far from over.