Additional Coverage:
- Ex-Green Beret’s wife accused of killing and dismembering him after he revealed divorce plans (nbcnews.com)
Fayetteville, NC – A local woman has been charged with the murder and dismemberment of her husband, a recently retired Green Beret. Shana Cloud, 50, was denied bond Monday following her arrest for the death of Clinton Bonnell, 50.
Bonnell, who retired in December after over two decades of military service, was reported missing on January 28th by a university official. He had been enrolled in a physician assistant program.
According to a search warrant affidavit, Cloud told deputies she last saw Bonnell the previous day at a local gym. She claimed they left in separate vehicles and that he intended to study at the university.
She stated that while his vehicle was at their home the next morning, Bonnell was nowhere to be found. The affidavit also notes that Cloud declined to file a missing person report.
Bonnell’s girlfriend, however, did file a report. She told authorities that Bonnell had consulted with a divorce lawyer on January 27th and later texted her that night confirming he’d told his wife he wanted to end their marriage.
In February, human remains were discovered in a body of water southeast of Fayetteville. Last week, DNA testing confirmed the remains belonged to Bonnell.
Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West has revealed the remains were a dismembered torso. He added that digital and video evidence allegedly links Cloud to the location where the torso was found.
Cloud’s attorney, James McRae Jr., maintains her innocence and states she is looking forward to her day in court. The investigation is ongoing.