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Wife Accused in Dismemberment Murder of Retired Green Beret in North Carolina
A North Carolina woman is facing charges after allegedly killing and dismembering her husband, a recently retired Green Beret, who disappeared in late January. Authorities state the motive for the gruesome crime appears to be related to the husband informing his wife of his desire for a divorce. This shocking case has unfolded in Cumberland County, near Fayetteville, North Carolina, drawing significant attention due to the victim’s military background and the heinous nature of the accusations.
Arrest and Charges
Shana Cloud, 50, was apprehended and charged with first-degree murder and concealment of death in connection to the killing of Clinton Bonnell, 50. Court documents indicate that she was denied bond during a Monday hearing.
Discovery of Remains and Identification
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office revealed in a statement that Bonnell’s remains were located in a body of water within a rural area southeast of Fayetteville in February. Subsequent DNA analysis definitively confirmed last week that the remains belonged to Bonnell.
Dismembered Torso Found
According to reports from NBC affiliate WRAL, citing Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West, the discovered remains consisted of a dismembered human torso. This detail underscores the brutality of the alleged crime.
Digital Evidence and Video Footage
District Attorney West stated that law enforcement officials have collected digital and video evidence purportedly connecting Cloud to the location where the torso was discovered, as reported by WRAL. The specifics of this evidence have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Defense Attorney Claims Innocence
James McRae Jr., Cloud’s legal representative, communicated to reporters that his client maintains her innocence and is looking forward to presenting her case in court. The legal proceedings are expected to be closely watched.
Victim’s Military Service and Disappearance
Clinton Bonnell had recently retired from military service in December after dedicating over two decades to the Green Berets. At the time of his disappearance, he was enrolled in a physician assistant program at a local university. University officials reported him missing to authorities shortly before 3 p.m. on January 28, according to an affidavit supporting a search warrant.
Initial Police Interview with the Wife
During questioning by deputies, Cloud stated that she had last seen Bonnell the previous day at a fitness center in Fayetteville, according to the affidavit. She claimed they departed separately in their own vehicles. Cloud further asserted that Bonnell intended to go to the university campus to study for an upcoming exam the following day, the affidavit detailed.
Vehicle at Home, Missing Person’s Report Declined
Cloud informed investigators that when she awoke the next morning, Bonnell’s vehicle was present at their residence, but she could not locate him. Notably, the affidavit mentions that Cloud declined to file a missing person’s report at that time, raising early concerns about Bonnell’s whereabouts.
Girlfriend’s Missing Person Report and Divorce Plans
Bonnell’s girlfriend, who ultimately filed a missing person’s report hours after the university official, informed deputies that Bonnell had consulted with a lawyer regarding divorcing Cloud on January 27—the day preceding his disappearance. This information emerged from the warrant affidavit and presents a potential motive in the case.
Final Communication and Divorce Intentions
The girlfriend reported that she last communicated with Bonnell on the night of January 27. He reportedly sent her a text message indicating that he was home and had informed his wife of his desire to initiate divorce proceedings, according to the affidavit. This final communication offers a crucial timeline leading up to Bonnell’s disappearance and alleged murder.