20/20 Season 46 Episode 17 The Case of the Killer Clown

In this episode of ABC 20/20, season 46 episode 17, the riveting and terrifying case of the Killer Clown is explored. On the morning of May 26, 1990, Marlene Warren answered the door of her Florida home to find a clown standing on her doorstep, holding flowers and balloons. Before she could react, the clown pulled out a gun and shot her in the face. She was rushed to the hospital, but ultimately died two days later.

The investigation into the murder led detectives down a winding path that would take decades to unravel. Witnesses reported seeing a car with clown decorations on it outside Marlene's house around the time of the shooting, but the car was never found. Detectives also began to suspect Marlene's husband, Michael Warren, who had recently purchased several insurance policies on his wife. However, despite their suspicions, there was not enough evidence to charge him with the crime.

The case went cold for years, until new evidence emerged in 2014. DNA testing on hairs found in a wig and orange fibers found in the getaway car led detectives to Sheila Keen Warren, a woman who had worked for Michael Warren and who he later married. Keen Warren had long been suspected of being the clown, but there was never enough evidence to charge her. However, with the new DNA evidence, detectives were finally able to arrest her for Marlene's murder in 2017.

The episode delves into the details of the investigation, including interviews with detectives who worked on the case and family members of Marlene and Michael Warren. Viewers will also get a closer look at the bizarre world of clowning, including interviews with professional clowns who were disturbed by the use of their profession in such a heinous crime.

Throughout the episode, there is a sense of unease as the shocking details of the case are revealed. From the moment the clown arrived at Marlene Warren's house to the eventual arrest of Sheila Keen Warren, the episode keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, The Case of the Killer Clown is a chilling reminder that sometimes, the scariest things are those we can't explain.