Woman Pleads Guilty in Florida Killer Clown Case, Allegedly Fatally Shot Wife of Man She Later Married

After more than three decades, Florida’s “Killer Clown” case—which was revived as a headlines mainstay with news of an arrest in 2017—has come to a close.

Per a report from regional outlet WPEC, suspect Sheila Keen-Warren pleaded guilty on Tuesday to second-degree murder. As the report notes, the case was slated to kick off a trial in May, with Tuesday’s news of a plea deal coming as a surprise to local experts who were closely watching the proceedings.

Keen-Warren, 59, has been behind bars since 2017, at which point advances in DNA tech led to her arrest. While Keen-Warren has repeatedly claimed innocence, even as she took a plea deal this week, prosecutors say she fatally shot Marlene Warren at her home in 1990. At the time, authorities say, Keen-Warren was dressed as a clown and holding flowers and balloons. One balloon, per a report surrounding news of Keen-Warren’s arrest, is said to have read, “You’re the greatest.”

Sheila Keen-Warren later married Michael Warren, who was Marlene’s husband at the time of her death.

In comments to WPEC, Keen-Warren’s lawyer said Tuesday’s second-degree murder admission saw his client admitting to something they “didn’t do.” The attorney, Greg Rosenfeld, also speculated that his client could be released in less than a year despite the 12-year sentence stemming from the deal.

According to Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg, however, Keen-Warren will remain behind bars for “at least” two more years.