Fayetteville, NC – The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit has arrested Shana Lea Cloud, 50, in connection with the death of her husband, Clint Bonnell, a Green Beret and physician assistant student at Methodist University who was reported missing earlier this year. Cloud has been charged with First Degree Murder and Destruction/Concealment of Human Remains.
Cloud was booked into the Cumberland County Detention Center and is being held without bond. Her first court appearance is scheduled for Monday, March 31 at 2:30 p.m.
On Friday, March 28, 2025, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) confirmed that human remains discovered in February in a rural pond belonged to Clint Bonnell.
CASE TIMELINE
On January 27, 2025, Clint Bonnell was last seen leaving Fit 4 Life Gym on Owen Drive. According to Cloud, the two left in separate vehicles and he said he planned to study. Investigators later learned Clint had visited his girlfriend earlier that day after meeting with a divorce attorney. He told her he had discussed the divorce with his wife and would be sleeping at home that night.
On January 28, Clint missed scheduled exams at Methodist University. At 2:58 p.m., university staff requested a welfare check at his home. Deputies responded to 3265 Butler Nursery Road, where Cloud stated she had not seen him since the previous day. Clint’s vehicle, wallet, keys, and school bag were found at the residence. Later that evening, a second welfare check was requested by a friend, and Clint was officially reported missing. The case was initially assigned to the Major Crimes Unit and was reassigned to the Homicide Unit on January 30.
On January 31, detectives executed a search warrant at the Bonnell residence and discovered Clint’s bookbag and laptop, reportedly showing signs of projectile damage.
On February 1, investigators traveled to Virginia with the assistance of Virginia State Police, executing search warrants on Cloud’s vehicle, rental property, and cell phone. Evidence was transported back to Cumberland County for further analysis.
Throughout February, detectives executed multiple search warrants for digital evidence, video footage, and phone records to reconstruct a timeline of Clint’s movements before and after his disappearance.
On February 25, a 911 call reported the discovery of human remains in a pond at 4231 Gainey Road, roughly three miles from the Bonnell residence. The condition of the remains initially prevented immediate identification. DNA samples were sent to the NC State Crime Lab, then forwarded to AFMES for final comparison.
On March 28, AFMES confirmed the remains belonged to Clint Bonnell. Arrest warrants were issued for Shana Cloud, who was taken into custody at her residence without incident.
Community Response and Acknowledgements
Our deepest condolences go out to the Bonnell family, including his daughter, sister, and all loved ones grieving this tragic loss. We also extend strength and support to Clint’s fellow soldiers, friends, and the Methodist University PA program.
We thank the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office for their diligence in this investigation, as well as the continued support from the Virginia State Police, NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, NC State Crime Lab, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Fort Liberty CID, Fayetteville Police Search & Rescue, Harnett County Sheriff’s K9 Unit, and the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact Detective Sgt. J. McLeod at (910) 677-5548.
Watch Out Cumberland County
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