Wife of Retired Green Beret Charged With Murder

Shana Cloud was charged with first-degree murder in the death of her husband, Clinton “Clint” Bonnell, 50, a retired Green Beret who had served 20 years in the U.S. Army. Bonnell was reported missing on January 28, 2025, one day after he told Cloud he wanted a divorce. On February 25, a dismembered torso was found in a pond near their home in Cumberland County, North Carolina. DNA analysis confirmed the remains belonged to Bonnell on March 28, 2025.

The Disappearance

Bonnell had retired from the Army in December 2024 and enrolled in a physician assistant program at Methodist University. On January 27, he contacted a lawyer about divorcing Cloud and that evening texted his girlfriend to say he had informed Cloud of his plans. The following morning, he failed to appear at school. Cloud told deputies she last saw Bonnell at a gym and that his car was still home when she woke up. She declined to file a missing person report. Bonnell’s girlfriend was the first to formally alert authorities.

The Discovery and Arrest

On February 25, 2025, a dismembered torso - stripped of its head and limbs - was found in a pond near the couple’s home. After DNA confirmation through the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System in late March, investigators obtained search warrants for the couple’s properties in North Carolina and Virginia. Prosecutors said surveillance footage placed Cloud near the pond around the estimated time of disposal. Bullet holes were discovered in Bonnell’s backpack and laptop during the home search.

Cumberland County District Attorney William West stated: “Mr. Bonnell told his girlfriend that he had let the defendant know about the divorce and his plans the night before. We believe he was killed the following morning.” Cloud was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Victim’s Character

Bonnell’s sister described him as “a very, just a jovial, happy human” who had been looking forward to the next chapter of his life after two decades in military service. His girlfriend said she was “devastated” following Cloud’s arrest. Cloud’s defense has not issued a detailed public statement. The case was pending trial as of initial reporting.

References: Ex-Green Beret’s wife accused of killing and dismembering him after he revealed divorce plans | Wife may have killed Green Beret husband because he was ending marriage, DA says: ‘Horrific case’ | Girlfriend of slain Green Beret ‘devastated’ after his estranged wife is charged with his murder | Girlfriend of murdered Green Beret speaks out after his wife charged