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Florida to seek death penalty against suspect in "killer clown" cold case

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty against a woman accused of dressing up like a clown in 1990 and fatally shooting the wife of her future husband.

State Attorney Dave Aronberg issued a statement Wednesday saying he will seek the death penalty against 54-year-old Sheila Keen Warren, who was ordered held without bond at a court hearing.

She was extradited Tuesday from Abingdon, Virginia, where she lived with her husband Michael Warren for years. 

Woman arrested in 27-year-old killer clown case 01:17

Sheila Warren was arrested last month. Officials say Marlene Warren was shot in the face by a clown delivering carnations and balloons. Investigators say a new DNA testing gave them what they needed to make an arrest. 

Attorney Richard Lubin said Sheila Warren "vehemently denies" the killing. 

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Marlene Warren CBS Miami

Detectives who were giving the case a fresh look in 2014 learned that in 2002, Keen Warren had married the victim's husband, Michael Warren. A cold case detective said several witnesses told police that Keen Warren -- then Sheila Keen -- and Michael Warren were having an affair. Both, however, have denied that they were romantically involved at the time of the 1990 murder.  

Michael Warren was with his now wife when she was arrested in Virginia and was re-interviewed in the case, police say. 

He has not been charged, but police refused to rule him out as a suspect.

Detectives vowed to "work diligently" to determine if anyone else was involved in the slaying.

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