On Saturday, Sheila Keen-Warren, a woman who admitted to killing Marlene Warren in a 1990 case shrouded in Florida strangeness, was released from prison. The release came eighteen months after she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, a plea deal made shortly before her trial.
While Keen-Warren maintained her innocence even after taking the plea, she was sentenced to twelve years. However, with seven years already served since her 2017 arrest and thanks to Florida’s law allowing significant credit for good behavior, her release was anticipated.
Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg acknowledged the release, stating that Keen-Warren, “will always be an admitted convicted murderer and will wear that stain for every day for the rest of her life.”
Keen-Warren’s attorney, Greg Rosenfeld, has argued that the plea was purely strategic. Facing a potential life sentence at trial, she accepted the deal knowing she would be released in under two years.
Rosenfeld expressed joy at Keen-Warren’s release, emphasizing that she had always maintained her innocence.
The murder of Marlene Warren remains a chilling story. On that fateful day, Marlene Warren’s son and his friends were home when a clown arrived at the door, handing Marlene a bouquet of balloons. “How nice,” she remarked before the clown pulled out a gun and fatally shot her.
For 27 years, suspicion lingered over Keen-Warren, with whom Michael Warren, Marlene’s husband, had a known relationship. Keen-Warren worked for Michael at his used car lot at the time of the murder. The couple eventually married and moved to Virginia, strategically choosing a location just across the Tennessee border to operate their restaurant.
The lack of conclusive evidence for decades frustrated investigators. Witnesses pointed toward an affair between Keen-Warren and Michael Warren, a claim vehemently denied by both. In 2017, investigators finally caught their break with advanced DNA testing, which supposedly linked Keen-Warren to the getaway car.
However, lawyer Rosenfeld challenged the strength of the evidence, expressing concerns about the accuracy of the DNA analysis.
Witnesses had previously identified Keen-Warren purchasing a clown costume days before the murder, and one of the balloons was a unique variety only sold by a nearby Publix supermarket. A store employee recalled selling a similar pack to a woman resembling Keen-Warren just an hour before the murder.
The getaway car, a white Chrysler convertible reported stolen from Michael Warren’s lot, was found abandoned, containing orange fibers inside. Keen-Warren and her then-husband recovered vehicles for Michael Warren as part of their business.
Before her death, Marlene Warren allegedly confided in her mother that she suspected her husband was having an affair and wished to leave him. This sparked fear within her, as their assets were jointly owned and the thought of leaving Michael was terrifying.
Michael Warren himself faced legal trouble in 1994. He was convicted of charges including grand theft, racketeering, and tampering with odometers, serving almost four years in prison. At the time, many believed his sentence was influenced by suspicions surrounding his wife’s death.
Despite the release of Sheila Keen-Warren, the unspeakable crime remains a chilling reminder of the darker side of human nature and the complex web of relationships that can unravel into tragedy.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Criminal Justice Expert Dr. Lydia Marshall
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Marshall. The recent release of Sheila Keen-Warren, who admitted to killing Marlene Warren back in 1990, has stirred quite a controversy. What’s your initial reaction to this development?
Dr. Lydia Marshall: Thank you for having me. This case is fascinating and deeply troubling at the same time. It encapsulates the complexities of the criminal justice system, particularly around plea deals and the enduring aftermath of fatal crimes. Sheila Keen-Warren’s release, following a guilty plea yet maintaining her innocence, raises provocative questions about justice and accountability.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, it does. Keen-Warren’s plea deal was struck just before her trial, and her attorney suggests it was a strategic move to avoid a life sentence. Do you think this plea agreement undermines her accountability?
Dr. Lydia Marshall: In many ways, yes. When someone enters a plea bargain, it’s often to mitigate the risks of facing a harsher sentence if found guilty at trial. While it’s a legal strategy, it can create a perception of injustice, especially for the victim’s family. The fact that Keen-Warren will be labeled as a “convicted murderer” but claims innocence complicates public sentiment. People want closure, and this sort of ambiguity can be unsettling.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the lasting impacts on the victim’s family. Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg remarked that Keen-Warren will “always be an admitted convicted murderer.” How significant do you think this label is for her?
Dr. Lydia Marshall: It’s tremendously significant. Despite her release, that label will follow her everywhere she goes. It will affect her ability to reintegrate into society and will inherently alter her relationships and interactions. In our society, the stigma attached to being a convicted murderer is profound and lasting.
Time.news Editor: The case itself has eerie elements, like the clown who delivered the fatal blow. How does dramatic detail like this affect public perception of the crime?
Dr. Lydia Marshall: Dramatic details like that can mythologize a case, turning it into something more than just a crime—they become part of the cultural narrative. The image of a clown, typically associated with joy and innocence, juxtaposed with such a violent act, makes the story unforgettable. It fuels public intrigue and often sensationalizes the events, which can overshadow the realities of what actually happened.
Time.news Editor: Over the years, there was a lack of conclusive evidence against Keen-Warren despite suspicions of her relationship with Michael Warren, Marlene’s husband. What does this say about the investigative process over such a long span?
Dr. Lydia Marshall: It highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in cold cases, particularly when evidence is circumstantial. Investigators can face immense pressure to solve a case, but without hard evidence, they can struggle. This case took over two decades to garner a conviction, and it shows how difficult it can be to untangle relationships and motives, especially in personal crimes.
Time.news Editor: now that Keen-Warren is released, what future implications might we see in the justice system regarding plea deals and cold cases?
Dr. Lydia Marshall: This case may prompt discussions about the effectiveness and ethics of plea deals, especially in serious crimes. It could initiate a push for reforms that better ensure justice not just for the accused but also for the victims and their families. Each case adds a layer to the ongoing evolution of our legal system, and we can expect more scrutiny in how cases are processed and resolved.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Marshall, for your insights. The complexities of this case remind us of the intricate interplay between justice, morality, and the legal system.
Dr. Lydia Marshall: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital issue. It’s important for society to engage in these conversations as they help shape the future of our justice system.