20/20 Tonight

Where is Sheila Keen-Warren Now? 2024 Update & Background

by · May 23, 2024

Sheila Keen-Warren was born and raised in a background that eventually led her into the world of business and personal relations with Michael Warren, who ran a car rental business in Wellington, Florida. She first came into public attention due to her involvement in one of the most bizarre murder cases in recent American history. Before her marriage to Michael Warren, Sheila Keen was known for her involvement in the car rental business alongside Michael and was described by those who knew her as hardworking and efficient.

Sheila’s life took a dramatic turn when she became a primary suspect in the 1990 murder of Marlene Warren, Michael’s first wife. This case not only changed her life but also linked her name forever with a notorious criminal incident. The complexity of her relationship with Michael, combined with the allegations against her, painted a picture of a woman caught between her professional responsibilities and personal entanglements that would have severe consequences.

The Murder Case and Legal Battles

In 1990, Marlene Warren was murdered by someone dressed as a clown, who shot her at her doorstep. Sheila Keen, who was an employee and reported lover of Marlene’s husband, Michael Warren, quickly became a person of interest. Witnesses reported that Sheila might have bought a clown costume and other items linked to the crime scene. However, the lack of conclusive evidence at the time led to the case going cold, leaving many questions unanswered for nearly three decades.

The breakthrough came in 2017 when advanced DNA technology linked Sheila to a hair found in the getaway car, believed to be used by the murderer. Sheila, then married to Michael Warren and having taken his surname to become Sheila Keen-Warren, was arrested in Virginia. The arrest marked a significant turn in a long-dormant case, bringing it back into the spotlight and leading to her extradition to Florida to face charges of first-degree murder.

Trial and Sentencing

After her arrest, Sheila Keen-Warren faced the possibility of a life sentence or even the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder. However, her case was fraught with delays, including challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and contentious legal debates over the admissibility and reliability of DNA evidence. These factors culminated in a plea deal in 2024, where Sheila pled guilty to second-degree murder, significantly reducing her potential sentence.

Under the terms of the plea deal, Sheila Keen-Warren received a 12-year sentence, with consideration for time served and good behavior under the laws in effect in 1990. This arrangement suggested she could be released as early as the following year. Her attorney hailed the plea deal as a victory, considering the alternative outcomes and the length of time she had already spent in custody.

Current Status and Legacy

As of the latest updates, Sheila Keen-Warren is serving her sentence in Florida, with her release anticipated to occur in the near future due to the stipulations of her plea agreement. The resolution of her case has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing the plea deal as a necessary compromise to secure a measure of justice for Marlene Warren, while others see it as an inadequate response to the severity of the crime.

The case of Sheila Keen-Warren remains one of the most talked-about incidents due to its unusual circumstances and the long path to legal resolution. It highlights significant issues in the criminal justice system, including the challenges of cold cases, the role of forensic science in securing convictions, and the complexities of legal strategy in high-profile murder cases. Sheila’s legacy, intertwined with this notorious case, continues to provoke discussion and debate on these critical issues.

 

More 20/20: The Case of the Killer Clown

More Feature Articles

Avatar photo

Ryan Gill

Ryan is a passionate follower of true crime television programs, reporting on and providing in-depth investigations on mysteries in the criminal world.

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *