Forensic Files

The search for a beloved mother's killer who dressed as a clown

48 Hours

  • Oct 29, 2023
  • 2:02
  • Short

A clown knocked on Marlene Warren’s door, handed her flowers and balloons ... then shot her in the face. Marlene’s son, Joe Ahrens, watched it all unfold.

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

Joe Arens recounts the tragic murder of his mother by a clown in 1990, detailing the shocking events and their aftermath.

Key points

  • A Clown's Arrival. On May 26th, 1990, Joe and friends encounter a clown with balloons, leading to tragedy.
  • A Mother's Last Moments. Joe's mother, Marlene, is shot by a disguised attacker, leaving him devastated.

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