…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
A woman named Sheila Keen Warren, who was accused of dressing as a clown and shooting Marlene Warren in the face at her doorstep 33 years ago, has pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder on Tuesday.
The incident was one of the most highly anticipated cases in Palm Beach County, and Warren’s sudden plea came just two weeks before her trial was supposed to start.
However, she still maintains her innocence and claims that she did not commit the crime.
Background of the Case
In 1990, Marlene Warren was shot in the face by a clown who came to her doorstep with flowers and balloons.
After a lengthy investigation, the case remained unsolved for years until new DNA evidence emerged, leading investigators to arrest Sheila Keen Warren, who had been the prime suspect since the beginning but was never charged until 2017.
Details of the Plea
During her plea hearing, Warren admitted that there was enough evidence against her to convict her of second-degree murder.
However, she also stated that she did not commit the crime and maintained her innocence.
The plea deal includes a sentence of 25 years in prison, which will be followed by five years of probation.
Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 23, 2022.
Reaction to the Plea
The sudden plea deal caught many by surprise, including Marlene Warren’s family, who had been waiting for justice for over three decades.
Some members of the family expressed relief that the case would finally be resolved, while others expressed disappointment that they would never get the answers they were looking for.
Commentary
This case has been a longstanding mystery that has captivated the public for decades.
The sudden guilty plea by the accused, while bringing a sense of closure to the case, also leaves many questions unanswered.
It is unclear why Warren, who has maintained her innocence for years, would suddenly plead guilty, and her statement that she did not commit the crime adds to the confusion.
Nonetheless, the plea deal ensures that Warren will be held accountable for her role in the crime and serves as a reminder that justice can sometimes take a long time but eventually prevails.