A woman who pleaded guilty to dressing as a clown and murdering the wife of a man she later married in 1990 has been released from prison, bringing an end to a bizarre case that has captured attention for decades.
Sheila Keen-Warren, 61, was released after serving 18 months of a 12-year sentence for second-degree murder in the shooting of Marlene Warren. Keen-Warren, who has maintained her innocence, accepted the plea deal to avoid a potential life sentence if convicted at trial.
Marlene Warren was fatally shot by a clown who arrived at her home, handed her balloons, and then opened fire. Keen-Warren, who was an employee of Marlene's husband at the time, was arrested 27 years later after DNA evidence linked her to the crime scene.
Despite the conviction, Keen-Warren's attorney has criticized the evidence against her, pointing out inconsistencies and suggesting that the case was weakened by the passage of time and the death of key witnesses.
Marlene Warren's son and others have long suspected Michael Warren, Marlene's husband and Keen-Warren's current spouse, of involvement in the murder. Michael Warren, who has a criminal history of grand theft and racketeering, has denied any connection to his wife's death.
The case, marked by affairs, suspicions, and a clown disguise, has puzzled investigators and the public alike for years. With Keen-Warren's release from prison, the mystery surrounding the 1990 clown murder takes another unexpected turn.
