The wife of missing retired Green Beret Clinton Bonnell has been charged with murder after his body was found in pond last month.
50 year old Clinton Bonnell, a retired Green Beret, was last seen in Gray’s Creek, North Carolina on January 27, 2025. He disappeared after attending class at Methodist University earlier in the day.
On February 1, detectives went to Virginia and executed search warrants on his wife’s vehicle, rental property, and cell phone. Evidence relevant to the investigation was collected and brought back to Cumberland County.
On February 25, a body was found in a pond in the 4000 block of Gainey road, about 5 miles from Bonnell’s home. The body was sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office for identification, which may take up to a week.
On February 26, authorities conducted a search warrant at Bonnell’s home, located in the 3000 block of Butler Nursery Road, and the surrounding wooded area.
This week DNA testing came back, confirming that the body found in February was that of Clinton Bonnell.
Bonnell’s wife, Shana Cloud, has been charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a death. She is being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center.
If you have any information regarding Clint Bonnell’s location please contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant J. McLeod at (910) 677-5548.
If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact the Fayettesville/Cumberland County Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS.
The Disappearance of Clinton Bonnell
Clinton Bonnell, a Cumberland County veteran, is a student in the physician assistant program at Methodist University.
His sister describes him as a healthy, hardworking, reliable family man. She says he was studying for an exam at the time of his disappearance, and was making plans for his life.
His loved ones say it is out of character for him to take off without telling anyone.
Disappearance
On January 27, 2025, Clinton “Clint” Bonnell worked out at Fit For Life Gym on Owen Drive before attending class at Methodist University. After attending class Clint sent a text to a friend saying he was arriving home in Fayetteville.
Around 5:45 pm, Clint was last seen in the Gray’s Creek area of Cumberland County, North Carolina.
Clint hasn’t been seen or heard from since. He was supposed to attend class the following day but never showed up.
Investigation
When police arrived at Clint’s home for a wellness check they found his car there, but no additional clues as to his whereabouts.
On February 25, 2025, a body was found in a pond in the 4000 block of Gainey road, about 5 miles from Bonnell’s home. The body was sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office for identification, which may take up to a week.
On February 26, 2025, authorities conducted a search warrant at Bonnell’s home, located in the 3000 block of Butler Nursery Road, and the surrounding wooded area.
On March 10, 2025, it was announced that DNA testing was underway to determine if the body pound in the pond is that of Bonnell.
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