Release of Sheila Keen-Warren: A Bizarre Murder Case in Florida
Sheila Keen-Warren, 61, was released from prison on Saturday after serving 18 months of a 12-year sentence for the 1990 murder of Marlene Warren, a case that has captivated and puzzled the public for decades. Marlene Warren was shot in the face by a clown, an incident that shocked the Wellington community near Miami. The clown, who was later identified as Sheila Keen-Warren, handed Marlene balloons before pulling out a gun and fleeing the scene.
The murder case remained cold for 27 years until new DNA evidence linked Keen-Warren to the crime, resulting in her arrest in 2017. She pleaded guilty to manslaughter just before her trial was set to begin, a decision her attorney claims was made to avoid a potential life sentence. Despite her guilty plea, Keen-Warren has maintained her innocence, stating through her lawyer that she did not commit the crime.
Background and Investigation
At the time of the murder, Sheila Keen was employed by Marlene Warren's husband, Michael Warren, who had a history of criminal activities including fraud. Relatives had indicated that Marlene suspected her husband of infidelity and wanted to leave him, but was concerned about the implications for her assets. The investigation revealed that Michael Warren and Keen-Warren were having an affair, and they eventually married in 2002.
Key evidence in the case included orange hair fibers found in the getaway car, which had been stolen from Michael's car lot, and the discovery that only one store sold the specific balloon that was found at the crime scene. Witnesses also reported seeing a woman resembling Keen-Warren purchasing the balloons shortly before the murder.
Reactions and Controversy
The release of Sheila Keen-Warren has sparked mixed reactions. Palm Beach County State’s Attorney Dave Aronberg emphasized that she will always be a convicted murderer, highlighting the gravity of her actions. Conversely, Keen-Warren's attorney expressed relief at her release, maintaining that the evidence against her was weak and that she should never have been convicted. The case has raised questions about the reliability of the evidence and the lengthy investigation process that spanned over three decades, leading to gaps in the prosecution's case.
As Sheila Keen-Warren reunites with her family, the legacy of the bizarre murder case continues to cast a long shadow over those involved, particularly the memory of Marlene Warren, who was just 40 years old at the time of her tragic death.
