The Murder Mystery of Marlene Warren: A Haunting Tale of a Killer Clown
The chilling murder of Marlene Warren in 1990, perpetrated by an individual disguised as a clown, left an indelible mark on both the public and the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office. Despite the identification of two suspects, the case remained unsolved for decades. Dave Aronberg, the current state attorney, acknowledges the widespread interest in this case, emphasizing the deep-rooted fear associated with a killer clown. According to Aronberg, this was not a random act of violence or a robbery – it was a cold-blooded assassination.
Joe Ahrens, who was living with his mother Marlene and stepfather Mike at the time of the murder, was a firsthand witness to the tragic event. Ahrens fondly remembers his mother as a loving and devoted parent, taking pride in everything she did. The morning of May 26, 1990 started off joyfully, with Ahrens and his mother having breakfast alongside three friends. Their tranquility was shattered when they spotted a clown approaching their house, carrying balloons and flowers. At first, they thought it was a kind gesture to cheer up Ahrens, who was recovering from a broken leg. However, their delight quickly turned to horror when the clown shot Marlene at point-blank range after she opened the door. Panicked, Ahrens made a frantic call to 911 while the clown calmly walked back to their car.
Ahrens and his friends tried to observe any distinguishing features that could help identify the killer clown, noting that the only items without color were the solid black shoes and white gloves. Ahrens specifically mentioned the clown’s striking big brown eyes. As the clown fled the scene in a white LeBaron, Ahrens attempted to chase after them in his mother’s car but was unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Marlene, critically wounded, was rushed to the hospital where she was put on life support. Two days later, with no hope of recovery, Marlene was taken off life support and unfortunately succumbed to her injuries. Ahrens was devastated, aware that his life would never be the same without his mother’s guidance and support.
The investigators had critical evidence to work with, including the balloons and flowers left behind by the clown at the scene of the crime. They diligently tried to trace where these items were purchased. Additionally, Ahrens provided a detailed description of the killer clown: approximately 6-foot-one, tall and skinny, with orange hair, a red nose, and a large orange smile. The balloons left behind bore haunting messages – one proclaimed “You’re the greatest” while the other featured a picture of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” While Ahrens’ stepfather Mike had an alibi, being in a car with friends en route to a racetrack during the shooting, the investigators explored other potential suspects.
The authorities visited Bargain Motors, Mike’s place of business, where they encountered numerous mentions of Sheila Keen – a woman allegedly having an affair with Mike. Witnesses suggested that Sheila should be a primary focus of the investigation. Aleathea McRoberts, an assistant state attorney involved in the case since its inception, revealed that numerous tips received in the following days reinforced the need to examine Sheila Keen and Michael Warren as possible suspects. Della Ward, an employee at Bargain Motors, believed that Sheila Keen had strong feelings for Mike, evident from the way she looked at him.
Sheila Keen, known for her toughness as a repo woman at Bargain Motors, claimed to be working during the time of the murder. However, she was unable to provide specific addresses to substantiate her alibi. Both Keen and Mike Warren insisted that their relationship was purely platonic, but neighbors from the apartment complex where Keen resided believed otherwise, assuming they were husband and wife. The investigators ascertained that financial gain may have been a motive for Marlene’s murder, as Mike would inherit all of the couple’s shared assets and properties due to her predeceasing him.
In their pursuit of justice, the investigators also endeavored to locate local stores that had recently sold clown costumes. Deborah Offord, an employee at a costume shop, recounted an encounter with a customer a couple of nights before the murder. The customer, described as approximately 5’10” with long, thick, straight chocolate-colored hair and big brown eyes, purchased a clown suit, an orange wig, makeup, and a red clown nose. This customer, later identified as Sheila Keen, became an object of suspicion. Detectives presented Offord with a photo lineup for confirmation.
