Shivangi Sinha
Marlene Warren’s murder had a profound and lasting effect on the community of Wellington, Florida, but no one was more deeply impacted than her son, Joe Ahrens. He was at home with friends when the crime occurred right in front of him, and it is a memory that would haunt him for decades. What made the ordeal even more painful was knowing the killer had stood just feet away, yet it took years before authorities could identify and prosecute the person responsible. In Sundance TV’s ‘The Killer Clown: Murder on the Doorstep,’ Joe reflects on that traumatic day, his long pursuit of justice, and what Sheila Keen-Warren’s conviction ultimately meant to him.
Joe Ahrens Saw His Mother’s Perpetrator Leave After Killing Her
Joseph “Joe” Ahrens was the son of Marlene and John Ahrens, born in the late 1960s. He was still quite young when his parents separated, and his mother married Michael Warren in 1972. The family eventually settled in Wellington, Florida, where Joe and his older brother, John Ahrens Jr., were embraced by Michael as his own children. Together, the four of them appeared to form a happy and peaceful household. Joe often reflected on how loving and stable his upbringing had been, crediting both Marlene and Michael for the sense of security and affection he felt growing up. However, in 1988, tragedy struck when Joe’s brother John died in an accident. The loss deeply shook the family, and Joe recalled how profoundly the grief affected his mother, who was never quite the same afterward.
On May 26, 1990, 21-year-old Joe was at his family’s home in Wellington, Florida, spending Memorial Day weekend with friends, some of whom had stayed over the night before. That morning, as his mother Marlene was making pancakes and everyone was enjoying the holiday atmosphere, the doorbell rang. He recalled seeing a white LeBaron pull into the driveway and a person in colorful clothing step out. Marlene insisted on answering the door herself, and the last words Joe heard her say were, “Oh, how pretty.” Moments later, a loud bang echoed through the house. Joe rushed to the door to find his mother bleeding from a gunshot wound to the face while the person dressed as a clown fled the scene in the same white car.
Joe Ahrens shared that the decision to take his mother off the ventilator was one of the hardest choices he’s ever had to make, but ultimately, it was necessary. At the time, despite widespread speculation about his stepfather Michael’s involvement, Joe still saw him as a father figure and didn’t suspect he could have been connected to the tragedy. Michael had allegedly promised his stepson that he would receive half of Marlene’s assets, but when everything was found to be transferred solely to Michael’s name and Joe wasn’t given anything, his trust began to unravel. Learning about Michael’s alleged affair with Sheila Keen only deepened his suspicions. Joe always believed Sheila was responsible, and in 2023, when she finally pleaded guilty, it brought long-awaited closure to the case.
Joe Ahrens Made His Voice Heard at Sheila Keen-Warren’s Sentencing
Joe Ahrens has shared that the years following his mother’s murder were some of the most painful of his life. He described the trauma of witnessing her brutal shooting and coming face-to-face with the killer as something that haunted him constantly. Though he felt like he knew who was responsible, the lack of justice left him feeling helpless. Over time, he began struggling with mental health challenges and admitted to developing a dependence on alcohol as he tried to cope. The unresolved case weighed heavily on him. In 2023, when prosecutors offered a plea deal, Joe acknowledged it wasn’t the justice he hoped for, but ultimately, he chose closure and peace of mind over a longer sentence.
Joe spoke at Sheila Keen-Warren’s sentencing hearing via video conference, expressing his disappointment that she never once showed remorse for her actions. Despite her defense’s claims, he firmly stated that he knew she was the one who killed his mother and said that he recognized her by her eyes. He reflected on the years of emotional turmoil and the burden of unanswered questions he had carried. That day, he said, felt like a moment where some part of that weight was finally laid to rest.
Joe Ahrens Believes in Spirituality With His Whole Heart Today
Joe Ahrens appears to be doing well and has overcome many of his personal struggles in the years since his mother’s death. According to some reports, he now helps others who are dealing with substance abuse and alcohol dependency, guiding them toward recovery and a better life. A graduate of Twin Lakes Senior High School, Joe now resides in Jensen Beach, Florida, where he leads a much quieter and more reflective life. He is well-regarded in his community and is known to be deeply spiritual. Joe often speaks about the vastness of the universe, different planes of existence, and the power of the subconscious mind. He seems to be on a journey of self-discovery, seeking truth and inner peace and is committed to spending the rest of his life in a more meaningful and tranquil way.
As of now, Joe is single, though around 2020, he appeared to be in a relationship where he seemed genuinely happy and content. A firm believer in positive thinking and healing through openness, he continues to seek peace after years of pain and unanswered questions. In January 2025, he launched his own YouTube channel with the goal of sharing his story, discussing his mother’s tragic death, and finding deeper closure by speaking openly about his journey. He has fought a long, often lonely battle with grief, trauma, and substance dependency, but he’s emerged stronger, with a desire to help others through his experiences. He often talks about the importance of moving forward with love, acceptance, and truth. He hopes his voice will inspire others who’ve faced unimaginable loss to keep going and find their own healing path.
Read More: Marlene Warren: Murder Details and Investigation Timeline
