Florida – In a shocking case in Florida that captured national headlines, a 61-year-old woman, identified as S. Keen, has been released from prison after a controversial plea deal in connection with the murder of 40-year-old M. Warren, her current husband’s wife, back in 1990. The murder was committed while Keen and her now-husband, Michael, were engaged in an affair years before they got married.
The crime occurred on May 26, 1990, when Keen, disguised in a clown costume, complete with makeup, approached the couple’s home. Holding balloons and flowers, she rang the doorbell. As Warren opened the door to accept the gifts, Keen, without uttering a word and responding to Warren’s “How nice,” shot her in the face. Warren was fatally wounded and succumbed to her injuries two days later.
This murder was not just a local sensation but became a story followed across the nation due to its unusual circumstances and the eerie disguise used by the perpetrator. Following the murder, Keen supposedly fled in a vehicle that was later recovered with orange hair fibers and ambiguous DNA samples that did not conclusively point to her. Further complicating the investigation were the statements from Warren’s son and another witness who doubted the getaway car belonged to the killer. Despite these hurdles, Keen became a prime suspect, especially as rumors of her affair with the victim’s husband, Michael circulated, casting a shadow over her innocence.
Investigators believed that the motive behind the murder stemmed from an affair between Keen and Michael, Warren’s husband at the time. This affair was supposedly known to the victim, which might have fueled the tragic outcome. After Warren’s death, Keen and Michael eventually married, adding another layer of intrigue and suspicion to the case. Adding to the evidence was a statement from an employee at the restaurant owned by the victim. The employee recalled that Keen had once dressed up as a clown for Halloween, providing a photo to investigators.
The case remained cold for years, but advancements in forensic science and persistent detective work eventually led to Keen’s arrest in 2017. Charged with first-degree murder, her trial faced significant challenges, including issues with DNA evidence, deceased witnesses, and other investigative issues. These factors contributed to her plea deal in 2023, where she pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, resulting in a reduced sentence of 12 years. Due to time served and good behavior, Keen was released from prison after spending a total of seven years behind bars.
Upon her release, Keen’s attorney, G. Rosenfeld, reiterated her claims of innocence, expressing joy that she could finally return to her family. Contrasting sharply with her lawyer’s statement, State Attorney D. Aronberg remarked on her release, emphasizing that Keen will forever bear the label of a convicted murderer.
As Keen adjusts to life outside prison walls with the case officially closed, the story remains a harrowing reminder of how deeply personal grievances can manifest into violent acts that shock the community. As the legal chapter concludes, the emotional and psychological scars will likely linger for those affected by this tragic saga of deceit, betrayal, and murder under the most bizarre and horrific circumstances.
