Latest news with #TheKillerClown:MurderOnTheDoorstep
The Irish Sun
21-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
My dad was bludgeoned to death in bed in mystery random attack as I slept feet away – his killer was never caught
LIKE many little girls, Emma Childerley had a fear of things that go bump in the night. However, it wasn't the bogeyman she was terrified of, but a real-life monster who had bludgeoned her parents in the room next door when she was just five - and never been caught. 9 Emma Childerley was just 5 when her dad & mum were brutally attacked in the next room 9 Dad Kevin died in the attack, carried out with an axe or cleaver, while mum Denise suffered terrible injuries Credit: Focus Features 9 Miraculously Denise survived but was left with life-changing injuries Credit: Focus Features 9 Emma is still haunted by the killer Credit: Focus Features Her father Kevin, aged 30, died at the scene in Incredibly, she survived but has been left with life-changing injuries. With the killer still on the loose, Emma, 40, is now appealing for someone to come forward with information that will lead to the justice her family needs. It comes as cops confirmed they had arrested a woman in connection with the case and stepped up their investigation. Mum of three, Emma, now living in Blackburn, Lancashire, says: 'I was a daddy's girl. We were so close, and his murder tore our family apart. Robbed of memories 'We were robbed of a lifetime of memories, and instead I had a childhood filled with pain and fear. I missed him so much. 'Because Dad's killer was never caught, I became terrified that the murderer was hiding in my built-in bedroom wardrobes, or in the garage outside. 'Mum was so badly injured that I didn't even recognise her when she came out of hospital. 'Those months afterwards were hard, and though we've moved on with our lives, the pain never goes away. I think of my Dad every day. The Killer Clown: Murder On The Doorstep, Sundance 'I need justice and closure, for Dad and for me.' Before the horrific events of that night, Emma says she and her father were 'best friends'. She says: 'I remember watching Top of the Pops with him, singing along to Madonna's 'True Blue'. 'He was a miner; he worked hard for his family. He was a joker too; we'd play tricks on my mum and make her laugh. 'Dad took me to school on his motorbike each morning. We both wore helmets, but he'd keep his on as he walked through the playground, so all my friends thought he was an astronaut, which I loved. Happy normal family 'We were just a normal, happy family.' The attack took place on what seemed to be a regular evening, on which Emma's parents had gone out to a nearby social club while a babysitter had stayed with Emma and her five-month-old baby brother. Her parents had come home and gone to bed before the attack took place and hearing the comotion, neighbours called the police. 9 Emily (pictured with her dad and brother at the age of five) says that growing up she was a 'daddy's girl' Credit: Focus Features 9 She has a tattoo in honour of her late father on her back Credit: Focus Features 9 She and her mum Denise, now 69, are still desperate for answers about what happened that night Credit: Focus Features She says: 'I was woken in the night by a police officer telling me to get dressed, and not to switch on the light or open the bedroom door until he told me to. 'I did as he said, without questioning. 'I was taken to a neighbour's overnight. The next morning, I went to a police station for my fingerprints and hair samples to be taken, and later I was placed in a foster home. 'A social worker told me Mum had broken both her legs and Dad was looking after her so I couldn't go back home. 'I was only five years old, and I accepted that. But I hated being in the foster home. I was away from my family, and I missed them so much.' It was several weeks before a social worker informed Emma that her father was dead and her mother was in hospital. I screamed; I didn't recognise my own mother, she was so badly hurt Emily Childerley She says: 'I locked myself in the bathroom and sobbed. I couldn't take it in.' Eventually Emma was then told her mother was out of hospital and coming to take her home. She says: 'I was over the moon at first but the woman who arrived had a shaved head, an eye patch and scarring all across her face. 'I screamed; I didn't recognise my own mother, she was so badly hurt. It wasn't until she spoke that I realised who she was.' The family moved house to try to escape the memories and rarely spoke of their trauma. Family secrets Emma says: 'Nobody even told me dad had been murdered. 'I didn't want to ask Mum any details because I didn't want to upset her - she didn't remember much and didn't want to talk about it. I refused to go to Dad's funeral because I was in denial. 'I found a newspaper photo of a woman on life support, and I remember saying how poorly she looked. I didn't realise then it was a picture of my own mother. 'I was too young to be able to read the article.' Who are the UK's worst serial killers? THE UK's most prolific serial killer was actually a doctor. Here's a rundown of the worst offenders in the UK. After his death Jonathan Balls was accused of poisoning at least 22 people between 1824 and 1845. Amelia Sach and Annie Walters became known as the Finchley Baby Farmers after killing at least 20 babies between 1900 and 1902. The pair became the first women to be hanged at Holloway Prison on February 3, 1903. William Burke and William Hare killed 16 people and sold their bodies. The family moved home again, hoping for a fresh start. But aged 11, Emma came across newspaper cuttings that explained her father had been brutally murdered in a savage attack, with the motive unknown. Two men had been arrested at the time but the case against them was discontinued. Haunted childhood Emma says: 'I was horrified, and frightened that the killer was still out there. 'I wouldn't even flush the loo at night in case I alerted the murderer. 'I'd slept through the attack on my parents, and I was worried I might sleep through my own murder too. I became very anxious and defensive. 'If someone stared at Mum's injuries, I'd get annoyed and confront them, even though I was only a child. I had so much pent-up anger and grief.' The pain from the murder carries on, through the generations Emily Childerley In 2022, Emma contacted the police and pleaded with them to review the case. While Nottinghamshire Police say the case was never closed Emma says he hadn't heard anything in years. Kevin's murder case is now active and Emma is appealing for information. Cops have also urged anyone with information to come forward. They confirmed in April a 62-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and bailed after interview. Dad's legacy Emma now runs KC funeral services in Darwen, Lancashire, named in memory of her father. She says: 'I always regretted not going to dad's funeral and I decided I wanted to give dignity to people in death. 'I named my firm after him because this is his legacy. He lives on through me, and my three children, who I know he'd be so proud of. 'It breaks my heart that they never met him. He'd have been a wonderful grandfather. "The pain from the murder carries on, through the generations. I'd like people to think about that and, if they have information, please speak to the police. 'There will be no punishment for having waited so long, we will just be so grateful for any help you can give.' Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: 'This was a savage attack which took the life of a much-loved father and left his wife with lifelong injuries. 'Throughout our investigations we have been determined to get justice for both victims in this case, as well as for their two children and the grandchildren who never got to meet their grandad. 'Kevin was a much-loved family man described as a 'joker' with a great sense of humour by those who knew him. 'The attack tore apart the family and robbed Kevin's children of a lifetime of memories. 'The case has never been closed, and a dedicated team of detectives has been reinvestigating what happened that night using the latest investigative tools and technology. 'Following recent developments we have visited the neighbourhood to engage with a number of people we believe could help with our inquiries. 'It was a very positive exercise and I'd like to thank people for their cooperation. 'The arrest is also an important development and we have shared the news with Denise and other family members. 'We know the answer to Kevin's murder lies within the community and we also believe allegiances and loyalties will have changed after the passing of more than three decades. 'I'd continue to encourage anyone with any information, no matter how small, to please continue to get in touch with our officers or anonymously through Crimestoppers.' You can contact 9 Emma's precious keepsake of her with her dad 9 Emily is urging anyone who has any information about the attack to get in touch Credit: Focus Features
Scottish Sun
21-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
My dad was bludgeoned to death in bed in mystery random attack as I slept feet away – his killer was never caught
Emma Childerley was too afraid to even flush the loo at night in fear it might alert the killer 25 YEARS OF TERROR My dad was bludgeoned to death in bed in mystery random attack as I slept feet away – his killer was never caught Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIKE many little girls, Emma Childerley had a fear of things that go bump in the night. However, it wasn't the bogeyman she was terrified of, but a real-life monster who had bludgeoned her parents in the room next door when she was just five - and never been caught. 9 Emma Childerley was just 5 when her dad & mum were brutally attacked in the next room 9 Dad Kevin died in the attack, carried out with an axe or cleaver, while mum Denise suffered terrible injuries Credit: Focus Features 9 Miraculously Denise survived but was left with life-changing injuries Credit: Focus Features 9 Emma is still haunted by the killer Credit: Focus Features Her father Kevin, aged 30, died at the scene in Nottinghamshire in February 1990, while her mother Denise, then 32, was horrifically injured in what is thought to be an attack with an axe or a cleaver. Incredibly, she survived but has been left with life-changing injuries. With the killer still on the loose, Emma, 40, is now appealing for someone to come forward with information that will lead to the justice her family needs. It comes as cops confirmed they had arrested a woman in connection with the case and stepped up their investigation. Mum of three, Emma, now living in Blackburn, Lancashire, says: 'I was a daddy's girl. We were so close, and his murder tore our family apart. Robbed of memories 'We were robbed of a lifetime of memories, and instead I had a childhood filled with pain and fear. I missed him so much. 'Because Dad's killer was never caught, I became terrified that the murderer was hiding in my built-in bedroom wardrobes, or in the garage outside. 'Mum was so badly injured that I didn't even recognise her when she came out of hospital. 'Those months afterwards were hard, and though we've moved on with our lives, the pain never goes away. I think of my Dad every day. The Killer Clown: Murder On The Doorstep, Sundance 'I need justice and closure, for Dad and for me.' Before the horrific events of that night, Emma says she and her father were 'best friends'. She says: 'I remember watching Top of the Pops with him, singing along to Madonna's 'True Blue'. 'He was a miner; he worked hard for his family. He was a joker too; we'd play tricks on my mum and make her laugh. 'Dad took me to school on his motorbike each morning. We both wore helmets, but he'd keep his on as he walked through the playground, so all my friends thought he was an astronaut, which I loved. Happy normal family 'We were just a normal, happy family.' The attack took place on what seemed to be a regular evening, on which Emma's parents had gone out to a nearby social club while a babysitter had stayed with Emma and her five-month-old baby brother. Her parents had come home and gone to bed before the attack took place and hearing the comotion, neighbours called the police. 9 Emily (pictured with her dad and brother at the age of five) says that growing up she was a 'daddy's girl' Credit: Focus Features 9 She has a tattoo in honour of her late father on her back Credit: Focus Features 9 She and her mum Denise, now 69, are still desperate for answers about what happened that night Credit: Focus Features She says: 'I was woken in the night by a police officer telling me to get dressed, and not to switch on the light or open the bedroom door until he told me to. 'I did as he said, without questioning. 'I was taken to a neighbour's overnight. The next morning, I went to a police station for my fingerprints and hair samples to be taken, and later I was placed in a foster home. 'A social worker told me Mum had broken both her legs and Dad was looking after her so I couldn't go back home. 'I was only five years old, and I accepted that. But I hated being in the foster home. I was away from my family, and I missed them so much.' It was several weeks before a social worker informed Emma that her father was dead and her mother was in hospital. I screamed; I didn't recognise my own mother, she was so badly hurt Emily Childerley She says: 'I locked myself in the bathroom and sobbed. I couldn't take it in.' Eventually Emma was then told her mother was out of hospital and coming to take her home. She says: 'I was over the moon at first but the woman who arrived had a shaved head, an eye patch and scarring all across her face. 'I screamed; I didn't recognise my own mother, she was so badly hurt. It wasn't until she spoke that I realised who she was.' The family moved house to try to escape the memories and rarely spoke of their trauma. Family secrets Emma says: 'Nobody even told me dad had been murdered. 'I didn't want to ask Mum any details because I didn't want to upset her - she didn't remember much and didn't want to talk about it. I refused to go to Dad's funeral because I was in denial. 'I found a newspaper photo of a woman on life support, and I remember saying how poorly she looked. I didn't realise then it was a picture of my own mother. 'I was too young to be able to read the article.' Who are the UK's worst serial killers? THE UK's most prolific serial killer was actually a doctor. Here's a rundown of the worst offenders in the UK. British GP Harold Shipman is one of the most prolific serial killers in recorded history. He was found guilty of murdering 15 patients in 2000, but the Shipman Inquiry examined his crimes and identified 218 victims, 80 per cent of whom were elderly women. After his death Jonathan Balls was accused of poisoning at least 22 people between 1824 and 1845. Mary Ann Cotton is suspected of murdering up to 21 people, including husbands, lovers and children. She is Britain's most prolific female serial killer. Her crimes were committed between 1852 and 1872, and she was hanged in March 1873. Amelia Sach and Annie Walters became known as the Finchley Baby Farmers after killing at least 20 babies between 1900 and 1902. The pair became the first women to be hanged at Holloway Prison on February 3, 1903. William Burke and William Hare killed 16 people and sold their bodies. Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe was found guilty in 1981 of murdering 13 women and attempting to kill seven others between 1975 and 1980. Dennis Nilsen was caged for life in 1983 after murdering up to 15 men when he picked them up from the streets. He was found guilty of six counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder and was sentenced to life in jail. Fred West was found guilty of killing 12 but it's believed he was responsible for many more deaths. The family moved home again, hoping for a fresh start. But aged 11, Emma came across newspaper cuttings that explained her father had been brutally murdered in a savage attack, with the motive unknown. Two men had been arrested at the time but the case against them was discontinued. Haunted childhood Emma says: 'I was horrified, and frightened that the killer was still out there. 'I wouldn't even flush the loo at night in case I alerted the murderer. 'I'd slept through the attack on my parents, and I was worried I might sleep through my own murder too. I became very anxious and defensive. 'If someone stared at Mum's injuries, I'd get annoyed and confront them, even though I was only a child. I had so much pent-up anger and grief.' The pain from the murder carries on, through the generations Emily Childerley In 2022, Emma contacted the police and pleaded with them to review the case. While Nottinghamshire Police say the case was never closed Emma says he hadn't heard anything in years. Kevin's murder case is now active and Emma is appealing for information. Cops have also urged anyone with information to come forward. They confirmed in April a 62-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and bailed after interview. Dad's legacy Emma now runs KC funeral services in Darwen, Lancashire, named in memory of her father. She says: 'I always regretted not going to dad's funeral and I decided I wanted to give dignity to people in death. 'I named my firm after him because this is his legacy. He lives on through me, and my three children, who I know he'd be so proud of. 'It breaks my heart that they never met him. He'd have been a wonderful grandfather. "The pain from the murder carries on, through the generations. I'd like people to think about that and, if they have information, please speak to the police. 'There will be no punishment for having waited so long, we will just be so grateful for any help you can give.' Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: 'This was a savage attack which took the life of a much-loved father and left his wife with lifelong injuries. 'Throughout our investigations we have been determined to get justice for both victims in this case, as well as for their two children and the grandchildren who never got to meet their grandad. 'Kevin was a much-loved family man described as a 'joker' with a great sense of humour by those who knew him. 'The attack tore apart the family and robbed Kevin's children of a lifetime of memories. 'The case has never been closed, and a dedicated team of detectives has been reinvestigating what happened that night using the latest investigative tools and technology. 'Following recent developments we have visited the neighbourhood to engage with a number of people we believe could help with our inquiries. 'It was a very positive exercise and I'd like to thank people for their cooperation. 'The arrest is also an important development and we have shared the news with Denise and other family members. 'We know the answer to Kevin's murder lies within the community and we also believe allegiances and loyalties will have changed after the passing of more than three decades. 'I'd continue to encourage anyone with any information, no matter how small, to please continue to get in touch with our officers or anonymously through Crimestoppers.' You can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 9 Emma's precious keepsake of her with her dad
The Irish Sun
26-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Killer clown slaughtered my mum while I ate breakfast… how beast was snared decades later by sick token left on doorstep
WHEN Marlene Warren's doorbell rang one Saturday morning in May 1990, it sounded the beginnings of a blood-soaked nightmare that would haunt her family forever. Outside stood a most bizarre sight: a clown, dressed in a colourful jumpsuit, with an orange wig and big, black shoes. But this was to be no celebration. Advertisement 17 Joe Ahrens was 21 years old when his mother, Marlene Warren, was murdered in 1990 Credit: CBS/ 48 HOURS 17 Marlene and husband Michael had been together for 20 years Credit: facebook 17 After shooting Marlene in the mouth, the sick killer left two balloons and a basket of flowers on the doorstep Credit: getty 17 Paramedics rushed Marlene to an ambulance after she was shot Credit: getty It was holding two balloons - one with a picture of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on it, another that read You're the Greatest - along with a basket of red and white flowers. Advertisement 'Oh, how pretty,' Marlene said as she opened the door. Seconds later, there was a loud bang. Marlene's son Joe Ahrens says: 'It echoed through the house. It seemed like slow motion. It happened so fast. It was wild. It was like another world.' Marlene, 40, had been shot through the mouth at their home in Wellington Aero Club, Florida - an affluent Just moments before she'd been whipping up a breakfast of eggs and toast for Joe, who was 21 at the time, and three pals. Advertisement Joe says: 'Blood was coming out of her mouth, and she was gurgling. It was terrible - the worst day of my life.' As if that wasn't sickening enough, the clown left the gifts before casually driving off in a white Chrysler LeBaron car parked outside. Joe says: 'After the clown shot my mother they put the flowers down. 'The clown had thick white paint - you couldn't see its skin. I tried. It had a jumpsuit on, a colourful orange wig and black boot shoes… When they got to the car, they looked around. I saw some big brown eyes.' The Killer Clown: Murder On The Doorstep, Sundance Speaking about his ordeal in a new Sky documentary series called Murder On The Doorstep: The Killer Clown , he adds: 'All I could think of was to chase that vehicle. I jumped into the car, just driving like a maniac.' Advertisement It was too late. The clown was gone. Marlene was rushed to Palms West Within days, her family made the devastating decision to turn off her life support machine. Joe says: 'It was hell. I kind of knew myself after the third day that we were going to lose my mother, and it was horrible. She was the best person ever. When I lost her, I lost a big part of me.' Police, now investigating this most bizarre of Advertisement 17 Marlene had a turbulent relationship with her then husband, Michael Warren Credit: CBS/ 48 HOURS 17 Joe tells his devastating story in a new documentary series Credit: CBS/ 48 HOURS 17 The family lived in an affluent area, best known for having its own landing strip Credit: Flicker Productions Ltd © Michael, who was 38, had a solid alibi: he'd been travelling with friends to a horse race in Miami when Marlene had been shot. He appeared to be grief-stricken. Advertisement In taped 'We always got along well. You always have your ups and downs but you know, we've been together 20 years.' But it soon became clear to investigators that Marlene was in a turbulent relationship and actually feared her husband. According to Joe, Marlene intended to leave Michael just days before her death. She'd threatened to leave him, and he'd threatened to kill her Debra Hoisington In June 1990, Marlene's sister, Debra Hoisington, claimed: 'About a year ago, she called me and she said that he beat her up and she'd threatened to leave him, and he'd threatened to kill her.' Advertisement Marlene's step-sister Jamie Twing also told police: 'She just kept telling me, if anything happens to me, get Joey out of the house.' With Marlene out of the picture, Michael now stood to inherit a small fortune from their lucrative family business. He and Marlene had jointly owned a cut-price, car rental business called Bargain Motors which often leased cars to shady characters, according to employees. With the profits, the couple had bought several properties worth over $1million - a huge sum for the time. Michael even owned a plane and a racehorse. Police also spoke to attorney Christopher DeSantis who'd represented the family in an unrelated case. Advertisement In a chilling twist, the attorney told how, in April 1989, he'd had a strange conversation with Michael after he'd asked: 'Can a husband inherit from his wife if he murdered her?' DeSantis told him no, unless, he joked, the killer couldn't be identified because he was dressed like a clown. DeSantis now believes that his flippant comment in some way led to Marlene's death. Killer clown revealed 17 While married to Marlene, Michael had an affair with work colleague Sheila Keen (pictured) Credit: Broward County Sheriff's Office 17 Sheila was known for dressing up as clowns Credit: 15th Judicial Circuit Court Advertisement 17 17 The white LeBaron car was found eight miles from Marlene's home Credit: getty Police were also tipped off that Mike had been having an affair with an employee called Sheila Keen. She denied the relationship. But investigators discovered that just two days before the murder, on May 24, 1990, a woman matching her description bought a clown costume from a store called Spotlight Capezio. The owner later identified Sheila as the buyer. Then the LeBaron car was found dumped at a Advertisement Hair and fibres inside matched those found on clown outfits - and were traced back to Bargain Motors. Yet for all the circumstantial evidence linking Sheila to the crime, there was no concrete forensic evidence to prove her guilt. The case stalled and the mystery surrounding Marlene's murder remained. The clown outfit or weapon were never found. Michael Warren was arrested in October 1990 - but for 66 Advertisement Michael Warren took everything. Mike ruined my life Joe Ahrens He was later sentenced to nine years in prison but served less than three. After his 1997 release, Joe spoke to his step-dad for the last time. Joe says: 'When Mike got out of prison, it was a short phone call, but he called me just to say, 'have a good life',' he says. 'It was just sickening to me. I tried to trace it to find out where he was at, but I never did.' After Marlene's death, Michael had promised to share the inheritance money with Joe. Yet Joe never saw a penny of it. Joe says: 'Michael Warren took everything. Mike ruined my life. I had abandonment issues, alcohol issues… Advertisement "Mike's arrest made me feel glad that we did get something, but to not get total justice for my mother - this is not justice to me. "It really eats me up inside, but I didn't let it kill me.' For years, the case was forgotten 17 Joe tried to move on with life, moving over 1,300 miles away to Iowa Credit: Flicker Productions Ltd © 17 In 2014, Marlene's murder case was reopened thanks to funding and advancements in forensic science Credit: AP 17 Lab technicians revisited the old evidence, including the balloons the clown left Credit: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Advertisement Joe tried to move on with his life, moving over 1,300 miles away to Iowa. It wasn't until 2014, 24 years after Marlene's murder, that, remarkably, the case was reopened thanks to a cold case funding grant and advancements in forensic science. This time, a lab technician was able to go back over the original evidence from the case - including the balloons the clown had left - and was able to match fibres recovered from the crime scene to Sheila. For prosecutors, it was the missing link that finally tied everything together. It didn't take too much digging for detectives to stumble across more surprising news, either. Advertisement They discovered that Michael and Sheila had married in Las Vegas in 2002 - 12 years after Marlene's death. Sheila had changed her name to 'Debbie', and the pair had moved to Abingdon, Virginia. They were running a diner called The Purple Cow , just over the state line in Kingsport, Tennessee. One former worker even told police that 'Debbie' had once dressed up as a spooky clown for Halloween From death penalty to plea deal 17 In 2017, Sheila Keen-Warren was arrested Credit: Washington County Sheriff's Dept Advertisement 17 Sheila was extradited to Florida, where she potentially faced the death penalty Credit: getty In September 2017, 27-and-a-half years after Marlene's murder, Sheila was arrested for first-degree murder. After she was extradited to Florida, where she potentially faced the death penalty, she pleaded not guilty. 'I didn't do it, so that's it,' she said in police interviews, while refusing to answer any questions. In recorded jailhouse calls between Michael and Sheila, which air in the documentary, Sheila also tells an emotional Michael after her arrest:. 'I'm alright. I'm fine. Quit crying.' Advertisement While Michael, who has always protested his innocence, replies: 'You didn't do nothing. Don't worry about nothing.' Joe moved from Iowa back to Florida expecting a quick trial. Instead, the case began to fall apart. The one person that did not pay for this crime is Michael Warren. He didn't do one day of jail Joe Ahrens Sheila's defence team argued that over the decades, the evidence bags had been opened and examined so many times that the forensic material inside them could no longer be considered reliable. Fearing the whole trial could collapse, prosecutors offered Sheila a plea bargain which, after years in prison awaiting trial, she accepted. In April 2023, she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Advertisement She was sentenced to 12 years - but under 1990 Florida law, and with nearly seven years already served since her arrest in 2017, she was freed just 18 months later, in May 2023. Sheila, 61, moved back in with Michael. For Joe, the thought of Sheila getting out was 'overwhelming' but he admits: 'There was a bit of justice for my mother because we did get the killer.' He has felt the most anger towards his step-dad, who he still believes had his part to play in the murder, despite no charges ever being brought and Michael's denials. 17 Marlene was 40 years old when she was brutally murdered on her doorstep Advertisement Joe says: 'The one person that did not pay for this crime is Michael Warren. He didn't do one day of jail. 'But really I have to let go. I have to let it go.' Instead, Joe, now a dad himself, carries his mother's spirit with him everyday. He says: 'I know she would be very proud of me today, because I'm proud of myself. 'You know, if I'm in a situation, I always think, 'what would mum do?'. Advertisement 'My son is at the age that I was at when I lost my mum. I want my son to grow up knowing his grandmother still lives within me, and I want him to see that through me.' Murder On The Doorstep: The Killer Clown is available now on Now TV
Scottish Sun
26-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Killer clown slaughtered my mum while I ate breakfast… how beast was snared decades later by sick token left on doorstep
Grieving Joe Ahrens tells of his 24-year fight for justice after a lawyer's innocuous joke sent a monstrous killer on the path to murder FACE OF EVIL Killer clown slaughtered my mum while I ate breakfast… how beast was snared decades later by sick token left on doorstep WHEN Marlene Warren's doorbell rang one Saturday morning in May 1990, it sounded the beginnings of a blood-soaked nightmare that would haunt her family forever. Outside stood a most bizarre sight: a clown, dressed in a colourful jumpsuit, with an orange wig and big, black shoes. But this was to be no celebration. 17 Joe Ahrens was 21 years old when his mother, Marlene Warren, was murdered in 1990 Credit: CBS/ 48 HOURS 17 Marlene and husband Michael had been together for 20 years Credit: facebook 17 After shooting Marlene in the mouth, the sick killer left two balloons and a basket of flowers on the doorstep Credit: getty 17 Paramedics rushed Marlene to an ambulance after she was shot Credit: getty It was holding two balloons - one with a picture of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on it, another that read You're the Greatest - along with a basket of red and white flowers. 'Oh, how pretty,' Marlene said as she opened the door. Seconds later, there was a loud bang. Marlene's son Joe Ahrens says: 'It echoed through the house. It seemed like slow motion. It happened so fast. It was wild. It was like another world.' Marlene, 40, had been shot through the mouth at their home in Wellington Aero Club, Florida - an affluent flying community best known for having its own landing strip. Just moments before she'd been whipping up a breakfast of eggs and toast for Joe, who was 21 at the time, and three pals. Joe says: 'Blood was coming out of her mouth, and she was gurgling. It was terrible - the worst day of my life.' As if that wasn't sickening enough, the clown left the gifts before casually driving off in a white Chrysler LeBaron car parked outside. Joe says: 'After the clown shot my mother they put the flowers down. 'The clown had thick white paint - you couldn't see its skin. I tried. It had a jumpsuit on, a colourful orange wig and black boot shoes… When they got to the car, they looked around. I saw some big brown eyes.' The Killer Clown: Murder On The Doorstep, Sundance Speaking about his ordeal in a new Sky documentary series called Murder On The Doorstep: The Killer Clown, he adds: 'All I could think of was to chase that vehicle. I jumped into the car, just driving like a maniac.' It was too late. The clown was gone. Marlene was rushed to Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee, Florida. Within days, her family made the devastating decision to turn off her life support machine. Joe says: 'It was hell. I kind of knew myself after the third day that we were going to lose my mother, and it was horrible. She was the best person ever. When I lost her, I lost a big part of me.' Police, now investigating this most bizarre of murder enquiries, quickly turned their attention to Marlene's husband and Joe's step-dad, Michael Warren. 17 Marlene had a turbulent relationship with her then husband, Michael Warren Credit: CBS/ 48 HOURS 17 Joe tells his devastating story in a new documentary series Credit: CBS/ 48 HOURS 17 The family lived in an affluent area, best known for having its own landing strip Credit: Flicker Productions Ltd © Michael, who was 38, had a solid alibi: he'd been travelling with friends to a horse race in Miami when Marlene had been shot. He appeared to be grief-stricken. In taped police interviews, featured in the upcoming three-part series, he told detectives: 'I've never loved anybody as much as I loved my wife. 'We always got along well. You always have your ups and downs but you know, we've been together 20 years.' But it soon became clear to investigators that Marlene was in a turbulent relationship and actually feared her husband. According to Joe, Marlene intended to leave Michael just days before her death. She'd threatened to leave him, and he'd threatened to kill her Debra Hoisington In June 1990, Marlene's sister, Debra Hoisington, claimed: 'About a year ago, she called me and she said that he beat her up and she'd threatened to leave him, and he'd threatened to kill her.' Marlene's step-sister Jamie Twing also told police: 'She just kept telling me, if anything happens to me, get Joey out of the house.' With Marlene out of the picture, Michael now stood to inherit a small fortune from their lucrative family business. He and Marlene had jointly owned a cut-price, car rental business called Bargain Motors which often leased cars to shady characters, according to employees. With the profits, the couple had bought several properties worth over $1million - a huge sum for the time. Michael even owned a plane and a racehorse. Police also spoke to attorney Christopher DeSantis who'd represented the family in an unrelated case. In a chilling twist, the attorney told how, in April 1989, he'd had a strange conversation with Michael after he'd asked: 'Can a husband inherit from his wife if he murdered her?' DeSantis told him no, unless, he joked, the killer couldn't be identified because he was dressed like a clown. DeSantis now believes that his flippant comment in some way led to Marlene's death. Killer clown revealed 17 While married to Marlene, Michael had an affair with work colleague Sheila Keen (pictured) Credit: Broward County Sheriff's Office 17 Sheila was known for dressing up as clowns Credit: 15th Judicial Circuit Court 17 17 The white LeBaron car was found eight miles from Marlene's home Credit: getty Police were also tipped off that Mike had been having an affair with an employee called Sheila Keen. She denied the relationship. But investigators discovered that just two days before the murder, on May 24, 1990, a woman matching her description bought a clown costume from a store called Spotlight Capezio. The owner later identified Sheila as the buyer. Then the LeBaron car was found dumped at a shopping mall eight miles from Marlene's house. Hair and fibres inside matched those found on clown outfits - and were traced back to Bargain Motors. Yet for all the circumstantial evidence linking Sheila to the crime, there was no concrete forensic evidence to prove her guilt. The case stalled and the mystery surrounding Marlene's murder remained. The clown outfit or weapon were never found. Michael Warren was arrested in October 1990 - but for 66 auto fraud charges linked to his business, not murder. Michael Warren took everything. Mike ruined my life Joe Ahrens He was later sentenced to nine years in prison but served less than three. After his 1997 release, Joe spoke to his step-dad for the last time. Joe says: 'When Mike got out of prison, it was a short phone call, but he called me just to say, 'have a good life',' he says. 'It was just sickening to me. I tried to trace it to find out where he was at, but I never did.' After Marlene's death, Michael had promised to share the inheritance money with Joe. Yet Joe never saw a penny of it. Joe says: 'Michael Warren took everything. Mike ruined my life. I had abandonment issues, alcohol issues… "Mike's arrest made me feel glad that we did get something, but to not get total justice for my mother - this is not justice to me. "It really eats me up inside, but I didn't let it kill me.' For years, the case was forgotten 17 Joe tried to move on with life, moving over 1,300 miles away to Iowa Credit: Flicker Productions Ltd © 17 In 2014, Marlene's murder case was reopened thanks to funding and advancements in forensic science Credit: AP 17 Lab technicians revisited the old evidence, including the balloons the clown left Credit: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Joe tried to move on with his life, moving over 1,300 miles away to Iowa. It wasn't until 2014, 24 years after Marlene's murder, that, remarkably, the case was reopened thanks to a cold case funding grant and advancements in forensic science. This time, a lab technician was able to go back over the original evidence from the case - including the balloons the clown had left - and was able to match fibres recovered from the crime scene to Sheila. For prosecutors, it was the missing link that finally tied everything together. It didn't take too much digging for detectives to stumble across more surprising news, either. They discovered that Michael and Sheila had married in Las Vegas in 2002 - 12 years after Marlene's death. Sheila had changed her name to 'Debbie', and the pair had moved to Abingdon, Virginia. They were running a diner called The Purple Cow, just over the state line in Kingsport, Tennessee. One former worker even told police that 'Debbie' had once dressed up as a spooky clown for Halloween From death penalty to plea deal 17 In 2017, Sheila Keen-Warren was arrested Credit: Washington County Sheriff's Dept 17 Sheila was extradited to Florida, where she potentially faced the death penalty Credit: getty In September 2017, 27-and-a-half years after Marlene's murder, Sheila was arrested for first-degree murder. After she was extradited to Florida, where she potentially faced the death penalty, she pleaded not guilty. 'I didn't do it, so that's it,' she said in police interviews, while refusing to answer any questions. In recorded jailhouse calls between Michael and Sheila, which air in the documentary, Sheila also tells an emotional Michael after her arrest:. 'I'm alright. I'm fine. Quit crying.' While Michael, who has always protested his innocence, replies: 'You didn't do nothing. Don't worry about nothing.' Joe moved from Iowa back to Florida expecting a quick trial. Instead, the case began to fall apart. The one person that did not pay for this crime is Michael Warren. He didn't do one day of jail Joe Ahrens Sheila's defence team argued that over the decades, the evidence bags had been opened and examined so many times that the forensic material inside them could no longer be considered reliable. Fearing the whole trial could collapse, prosecutors offered Sheila a plea bargain which, after years in prison awaiting trial, she accepted. In April 2023, she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. She was sentenced to 12 years - but under 1990 Florida law, and with nearly seven years already served since her arrest in 2017, she was freed just 18 months later, in May 2023. Sheila, 61, moved back in with Michael. For Joe, the thought of Sheila getting out was 'overwhelming' but he admits: 'There was a bit of justice for my mother because we did get the killer.' He has felt the most anger towards his step-dad, who he still believes had his part to play in the murder, despite no charges ever being brought and Michael's denials. 17 Marlene was 40 years old when she was brutally murdered on her doorstep Joe says: 'The one person that did not pay for this crime is Michael Warren. He didn't do one day of jail. 'But really I have to let go. I have to let it go.' Instead, Joe, now a dad himself, carries his mother's spirit with him everyday. He says: 'I know she would be very proud of me today, because I'm proud of myself. 'You know, if I'm in a situation, I always think, 'what would mum do?'. 'My son is at the age that I was at when I lost my mum. I want my son to grow up knowing his grandmother still lives within me, and I want him to see that through me.' Murder On The Doorstep: The Killer Clown is available now on Now TV
