Episode 44: Marlene Warren and the Sinister Clown

For centuries clowns have been seen as cheerful and funny often with exaggerated appearances and behaviors.    But that feeling would change dramatically for the community living in Palm Beach County, Florida in 1990. Marlene Warren spent the morning of Memorial Day weekend at home with her then 21-year-old son and a couple of his friends. She was making breakfast and enjoying the quiet morning when suddenly her doorbell rang. When she answered the door, she saw a clown with an orange wig, white face paint, a red nose, holding balloons and a bouquet of carnations. Marlene loved clowns so surprised but delighted by the visit, Marlene nor anyone in the Aero Community expected what would come next. This unknown person dressed as a clown was there with a sinister plan to execute. But everyone loved Marlene, she was kind, compassionate and cared about those in her community. As a beloved landlord, friend, mother and wife, who could have wanted her gone? 

 

Sources:

SCI AM – This is why we’re afraid of clowns – March 7, 2023 – Sophie Scorey, James Greville Philip Tyson, Shakiela Davies & The Conversation – The Weird Reason We're Afraid of Clowns | Scientific American

People - Woman Dubbed ‘Killer Clown’ Accused of Showing Up in Costume to Kill Purported Lover’s Wife, Pleads Guilty – Nicole Acosta – April 26, 2023 - Woman Dubbed 'Killer Clown' Pleads Guilty to Murder, But Denies Crime – Retrieved: February 9, 2025

Marlene Mae McKinnon Warren Obituary - Marlene Mae McKinnon Warren (1950-1990) - Find a Grave Memorial – Retrieved: February 9, 2025

John Arthur Ahrens, Jr. Obituary - John Arthur “Johnny” Ahrens Jr. (1966-1988) - Find a Grave Memorial – Retrieved: February 9, 2025

Unmasked – Season 1, Episode 1 – Killer Clown

South Florida Sun Sentinel – Police have no answers for clown victim’s mom – T.L. Stanley and Jim Di Paola – June 7, 1990 – Retrieved: February 10, 2025

South Florida Sun Sentinel – Clown case still mystery after 2 years – Mike Folks – May 26, 1992 – Retrieved: February 10, 2025

48 Hours – Murder by Clown - Murder by Clown | Full Episode

ABC News – Sheila Keen Warren pleads guilty to shooting husband’s 1st wife in 1990 killer clown case – Meredith Deliso – April 25, 2023 - Sheila Keen Warren pleads guilty to shooting husband's 1st wife in 1990 killer clown case - ABC News

The Cinemaholic – Marlene Warren’s Murder: How did she die? Who killed her? – Kriti Mehrota – May 23, 2024 - Marlene Warren Murder: How Did She Die? Who Killed Her?