In the 1990s, the residents of West Palm Beach were shaken by the chilling murder of Marlene Warren. A mysterious figure dressed as a clown arrived at her home, offering balloons, before pulling out a gun and shooting her in the face. Witnesses, including Warren’s son, and authorities who were present at the scene, and this peculiar and gruesome crime were baffled for years. Despite having a clear suspect, Sheila Keen, the case went cold for nearly three decades due to the lack of strong forensic evidence.
The long-awaited breakthrough came in 2017 when investigators reopened the case using improved DNA technology. A key piece of evidence, a white Chrysler convertible used as a getaway vehicle, linked Sheila Keen-Warren to the crime. This, combined with witness testimonies of Keen purchasing a clown costume days before the murder, helped solidify her as the prime suspect. Keen had worked for the victim’s husband, Michael Warren, at the time of the murder, and many believed they were romantically involved, despite their own denial. In a surprising twist, the two married in 2002, furthering the public’s suspicion.
Sheila Keen-Warren was arrested in 2017, 27 years after the murder. Although her defense team continued to challenge the DNA evidence, calling it inconclusive, Keen eventually accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder in 2023. This deal allowed for her release after serving 12 years in prison due to good behavior, following Florida’s laws in place during the time of the crime. While some saw this as a resolution to the case, the family of the victim expressed frustration that full justice may never be realized.
Although Sheila Keen-Warren is now a convicted murderer, questions still surround the case, particularly regarding the involvement of Michael Warren, who was never charged despite suspicions. Marlene Warren had reportedly expressed fear of her husband before her death, telling her mother “If anything happens to me, Mike did it.” Keen-Warren’s release marks the end of one of Florida’s most notorious cold cases, but still leaves lingering doubts about the full truth behind the crime.
