The Clown Murder of Marlene Warren: A Cold Case Solved by DNA

The Unfolding of a Bizarre Murder

• 🤡 On May 26th, 1990, Marlene Warren was shot and killed by a person dressed as a clown, holding balloons and flowers, at her Wellington, Florida home.
• 💰 Marlene and her husband, Mike, were financially successful, owning rental properties and a used car lot, and raising racehorses.
• 💔 Marlene was experiencing marital issues and had recently lost a son, contributing to a strained relationship with Mike.

Early Investigation and Suspicions

• 📞 An anonymous tip suggested Mike Warren's involvement, leading investigators to interview him.
• 🚗 The investigation revealed a potential affair between Mike and Sheila Keen, an employee at their used car lot.
• 💔 Sheila had recently obtained a domestic violence injunction against her husband, Richard, and was reportedly living in a rental paid for by Mike.
• 🛍️ Investigators identified that the balloons and flowers were purchased at a local Publix, and a clerk described a woman resembling Sheila.
• 🎭 A local store confirmed selling a clown costume, wig, and makeup two days before the murder to a woman matching Sheila's description.

The Cold Case and DNA Breakthrough

• 🚗 A white Chrysler LeBaron, matching the getaway car description, was found abandoned 10 miles from the crime scene; it was later determined to be stolen.
• 🔍 Orange fibers, similar to the clown wig, were found in the car and later in Sheila's clothing, but evidence remained largely circumstantial.
• ⏳ The case went cold for years, with Sheila and Mike eventually marrying and moving to Tennessee, living under assumed names.
• 🧬 In 2017, DNA analysis on brown hair found in the LeBaron indicated it could have come from Sheila Keen, providing a crucial link.

Arrest and Trial

• ⚖️ Based on the DNA evidence, combined with other circumstantial factors, a grand jury indicted Sheila Keen Warren for first-degree murder.
• 🎤 Sheila was arrested in Virginia in September 2017, 27 years after Marlene's murder, and extradited to Florida.
• 💰 Mike Warren, who had previously served time for racketeering, remained a person of interest but was not charged.
• ⚖️ The prosecution announced they would seek the death penalty, with Sheila's trial set for February 2020, highlighting the case's reliance on circumstantial evidence.