Woman accused in killer clown case waives her right to a speedy trial

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.—It took more 27 years for authorities to make an arrest in South Florida’s killer clown case. There won’t be a rush for a trial either.

Through her attorney, Sheila Keen Warren on Monday waived her right to a speedy trial on a first-degree murder charge.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the 54-yearold woman accused of wearing a clown disguise during the May 26, 1990, slaying of Marlene Warren, 40, in Wellington, Fla.

The shooting victim and Keen Warren share the same last name yet were not related. But Warren’s husband, Michael, is now married to Keen Warren. He was not in court Monday.

Sheila Warren has pleaded not guilty and is being held at Palm Beach County Jail without bond.

Detectives say Marlene Warren answered the door to her home in the Aero Club community to accept a bouquet and two balloons from a clown wearing an orange wig, a red bulb nose, gloves and a smile painted on its white face.

Immediately, the clown fired at Warren’s face. She died within two days.

The clown fled in a white Chrysler LeBaron, which was found four days later abandoned at a shopping center parking lot. Sheila Keen and Michael Warren were originally identified as persons of interest but neither was charged at the time.

Keen, then 27, had been working for Warren’s used car dealership, Bargain Motors Inc. of West Palm Beach, helping to repossess cars.

The case went cold until 2014, when Palm Beach County detectives took a fresh look at DNA evidence. They also learned the Warrens married in Las Vegas in 2002.