News Summary
Fayetteville is reeling after former Green Beret Clinton Bonnell was found murdered. His wife, Shana Cloud, has been charged with his murder. Bonnell was a dedicated veteran who had recently begun studies in the Physician Assistant Program at Methodist University. The case has left the community in shock and raised concerns among students and faculty, prompting support efforts at the university. As investigations continue, many look for answers in this chilling incident.
Shocking Turn of Events in Fayetteville: Former Green Beret’s Wife Charged with Murder
In a tragic and bewildering turn of events, Fayetteville, North Carolina, has become the scene of a chilling story that feels like something out of a crime drama. Clinton Bonnell, a 50-year-old former Green Beret who recently retired after more than two decades of dedicated military service, was first reported missing on January 28, 2025, just a day after a significant personal revelation. On January 27, Bonnell had informed his wife, Shana Cloud, of his intention to file for divorce, initiating a chain of events that led to a grim discovery.
The Missing Person Case
Cloud reported her husband missing, claiming he was last seen at a gym in Fayetteville. However, a welfare check conducted by local authorities at their residence raised eyebrows. Officers discovered Bonnell’s vehicle, his school bag, and car keys still at home, casting doubt on Cloud’s assertion about his whereabouts. This suspicious find hinted that something was terribly wrong.
The Discovery of Remains
The mystery deepened as the investigation continued, and on February 25, 2025, investigators made a horrifying discovery. They found Bonnell’s dismembered torso in a pond roughly three miles from their home. With the remains in such a deteriorated state, law enforcement officials had to use DNA testing to confirm the identity of the body on March 28, 2025. This grim confirmation revealed that Bonnell had been shot multiple times before his untimely death.
Charges Filed Against Shana Cloud
Shana Cloud, initially a grieving wife, quickly became the focal point of the investigation and was charged with first-degree murder and concealment of death. Court records suggested that Cloud had secretly disposed of Bonnell’s remains, leading to a denial of bail in an initial court hearing. While Cloud remains in custody, the community is left reeling from the tragedy and the revelations that have unfolded.
A Life Cut Short
Bonnell was more than just a former soldier; he was actively pursuing a brighter future, enrolled in the Physician Assistant Program at Methodist University, having just retired from military service on December 31, 2024. His family has expressed their devastating grief, describing him as an “incredible human” who dedicated his life to helping others. His unexpected death has left many in disbelief, while counselors at the university have stepped in to offer support to students affected by this shocking incident.
A Battle Over Assets
As if the emotional fallout wasn’t enough, a legal battle has erupted over Bonnell’s assets following the identification of his remains. His estate includes a home, two vehicles, and a checking account at USAA, all of which will likely complicate matters further in these already tense circumstances.
Continuing Investigation
Authorities continue to search for the rest of Bonnell’s body, bringing a glimmer of hope that more answers might one day be unearthed. As investigators piece together what happened, the community braces itself for the upcoming court proceedings. Shana Cloud’s next hearing is scheduled for mid-April 2025, and many are left to wonder what more will come to light as this dark story continues to unfold.
As Fayetteville grapples with this unsettling event, it serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and how the unthinkable can occur right in our own backyards.
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Additional Resources
- NBC News: Ex-Green Beret’s Wife Charged with Murder
- USA Today: Green Beret’s Murder – Wife Charged
- ABC11: Green Beret Murder Trial
- Fayetteville Observer: Timeline in Green Beret Vet Murder Case
- Wikipedia: Murder
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
