Murder by Clown | Full Episode
- Nov 3, 2023
- 41:47
- Full Episode
On Nov. 2, 2024, Sheila Keen-Warren was released 18 months after she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the 1990 shooting of Marlene Warren. In this episode which aired on Oct. 31, 2023, "48 Hours" Peter Van Sant reports on how a killer dressed like a clown murdered a mom and almost got away with it. Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.
True crime. Real justice. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.
Brief Summary
Marlene Warren was murdered by a clown in 1990; her husband and mistress were suspects, leading to a plea deal decades later.
Key points
- Joe's Heartbreaking Loss. Joe recalls the traumatic day his mother was murdered, forever changing his life.
- The Clown Murder Case. In 1990, Marlene Warren was shot by a clown, leading to a decades-long investigation.
- Sheila's Alibi. Sheila Kean claimed she was working at the time of the murder, but evidence suggests otherwise.
- DNA Breakthrough. In 2017, new DNA evidence linked Sheila to the murder, leading to her arrest.
- Sheila's Arrest. After 27 years, authorities arrested Sheila Keen Warren for the murder of Marlene Warren.
- Sheila Keen Warren's Plea Deal. Sheila Keen Warren pleads guilty to second-degree murder after decades of legal battles.
Episode highlights
- Joe's Heartbreaking LossJoe recalls the traumatic day his mother was murdered, forever changing his life.“I felt my heart, my soul just rip out of my body.”1:26Nov 3, 2023
- The Clown Murder CaseIn 1990, Marlene Warren was shot by a clown, leading to a decades-long investigation.“Who isn't afraid of a killer clown?”4:36Nov 3, 2023
- Sheila's AlibiSheila Kean claimed she was working at the time of the murder, but evidence suggests otherwise.“Sheila told investigators she was just friends with Mike.”11:31Nov 3, 2023
- DNA BreakthroughIn 2017, new DNA evidence linked Sheila to the murder, leading to her arrest.“The hairs found in the learon were able to be traced to Sheila.”22:00Nov 3, 2023
- Sheila's ArrestAfter 27 years, authorities arrested Sheila Keen Warren for the murder of Marlene Warren.“She was charged with first-degree murder.”25:19Nov 3, 2023
- Sheila Keen Warren's Plea DealSheila Keen Warren pleads guilty to second-degree murder after decades of legal battles.“It wasn't worth the gamble when she was offered a deal.”39:51Nov 3, 2023
- Emotional Reflections on LossJoe reflects on his mother's murder and the emotional toll it took over the years.“The demons that once occupied Joe's mind are gone.”40:31Nov 3, 2023






