Topline: Autopsy findings reveal former Green Beret Clinton Bonnell was shot multiple times before dismemberment; his estranged wife faces murder charges.
Published: September 23, 2025 9:00 am ET
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Shana Cloud, left, is charged with murder in the death of her husband, Clint Bonnell (via Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office)
FAYETTEVILLE, NC — The murder investigation into former Green Beret Clinton “Clint” Bonnell continues, with new autopsy details revealing he was shot multiple times and dismembered. His estranged wife, Shana Cloud, is being held on murder charges.
Bonnell’s nude torso was found on February 25, nearly a month after he was reported missing, ABC11 reported. An autopsy confirmed he was shot four times in the back, with each bullet exiting through his chest. No bullets or fragments were recovered.
The autopsy report also cited signs of dismemberment by a mechanical saw. Bonnell’s head, arms, and legs are still missing, investigators said. A 10-inch gash was noted in his abdomen, and multiple organs were absent. DNA sent to the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System was used to positively identify Bonnell.
The North Carolina Office of the State Medical Examiner has ruled the death a homicide, with the cause listed as multiple gunshot wounds. The medical examiner noted that further traumatic injuries could not be excluded, given the dismemberment, absence of internal organs, and state of decomposition.
Bonnell, a student in the Physician Assistant Program at Methodist University, was last seen on January 27 in Cumberland County. When he missed classes on January 28, a university employee contacted the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office to request a well-being check at his home.
Deputies also spoke with Cloud, who stated she had not seen Bonnell since January 27. Officers observed Bonnell’s car, keys, watch, workout bag, reading glasses, and other personal items still at the couple’s residence.
Cloud told officers she went to a local gym on January 27, and Bonnell joined her an hour later. She said they left the gym in separate cars, with Bonnell stating he was going to Methodist University to study.
Cloud did not recall him returning home and found his car at the gym the next morning. She declined to file a missing person report for Bonnell, according to officers.
On January 28, Bonnell’s girlfriend requested a second welfare check and filed a missing person report.
On February 1, detectives traveled to Virginia. With assistance from Virginia State Police, they executed search warrants on Cloud’s vehicle, a rental property, and her cell phone. Investigators analyzed cell phone records and video footage, to construct a timeline of Bonnell’s disappearance. Police have not disclosed why Cloud was in Virginia or how her location was determined.
On February 25, the sheriff’s office received a call reporting human remains in a rural pond. Due to the condition of the remains, immediate identification was not possible.
A month after the discovery of the remains, DNA testing revealed the torso to be Bonnell’s. Cloud was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a death.
The Cumberland County District Attorney’s office indicated that a pending divorce could be the motive in the case. Prosecutors believe Bonnell was killed a day after he visited a lawyer to seek a divorce. According to WRAL, he told his girlfriend he planned to end his marriage and then informed his wife.
Bonnell’s cell phone records indicate he returned to the couple’s home on the night of January 27 and did not leave. Authorities also have video evidence of Cloud in the area where Bonnell’s torso was recovered. They believe she shot and killed her husband inside their home the day after he was last seen alive.
A spokesperson for Bonnell’s family issued a statement: “The Bonnell family is beyond devastated. Clint was an incredible human who sacrificed so much for others and dedicated his life to the betterment of this world…our family will continue to fight for justice in Clint’s name.”
Cloud is currently being held without bond in the Cumberland County Detention Center. Her attorney, James Macrae Jr., stated that she is innocent and “looks forward to her day in court.”
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Former Green Beret’s Autopsy Reveals Grisly Details
Autopsy findings reveal former Green Beret Clinton Bonnell was shot multiple times before dismemberment; his estranged wife faces murder charges.
By Kate Byrd
Published: September 23, 2025 9:00 am ET
Shana Cloud, left, is charged with murder in the death of her husband, Clint Bonnell (via Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office)
FAYETTEVILLE, NC — The murder investigation into former Green Beret Clinton “Clint” Bonnell continues, with new autopsy details revealing he was shot multiple times and dismembered. His estranged wife, Shana Cloud, is being held on murder charges.
Bonnell’s nude torso was found on February 25, nearly a month after he was reported missing, ABC11 reported. An autopsy confirmed he was shot four times in the back, with each bullet exiting through his chest. No bullets or fragments were recovered.
The autopsy report also cited signs of dismemberment by a mechanical saw. Bonnell’s head, arms, and legs are still missing, investigators said. A 10-inch gash was noted in his abdomen, and multiple organs were absent. DNA sent to the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System was used to positively identify Bonnell.
The North Carolina Office of the State Medical Examiner has ruled the death a homicide, with the cause listed as multiple gunshot wounds. The medical examiner noted that further traumatic injuries could not be excluded, given the dismemberment, absence of internal organs, and state of decomposition.
Bonnell, a student in the Physician Assistant Program at Methodist University, was last seen on January 27 in Cumberland County. When he missed classes on January 28, a university employee contacted the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office to request a well-being check at his home.
Deputies also spoke with Cloud, who stated she had not seen Bonnell since January 27. Officers observed Bonnell’s car, keys, watch, workout bag, reading glasses, and other personal items still at the couple’s residence.
Cloud told officers she went to a local gym on January 27, and Bonnell joined her an hour later. She said they left the gym in separate cars, with Bonnell stating he was going to Methodist University to study.
Cloud did not recall him returning home and found his car at the gym the next morning. She declined to file a missing person report for Bonnell, according to officers.
On January 28, Bonnell’s girlfriend requested a second welfare check and filed a missing person report.
On February 1, detectives traveled to Virginia. With assistance from Virginia State Police, they executed search warrants on Cloud’s vehicle, a rental property, and her cell phone. Investigators analyzed cell phone records and video footage, to construct a timeline of Bonnell’s disappearance. Police have not disclosed why Cloud was in Virginia or how her location was determined.
On February 25, the sheriff’s office received a call reporting human remains in a rural pond. Due to the condition of the remains, immediate identification was not possible.
A month after the discovery of the remains, DNA testing revealed the torso to be Bonnell’s. Cloud was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a death.
The Cumberland County District Attorney’s office indicated that a pending divorce could be the motive in the case. Prosecutors believe Bonnell was killed a day after he visited a lawyer to seek a divorce. According to WRAL, he told his girlfriend he planned to end his marriage and then informed his wife.
Bonnell’s cell phone records indicate he returned to the couple’s home on the night of January 27 and did not leave. Authorities also have video evidence of Cloud in the area where Bonnell’s torso was recovered. They believe she shot and killed her husband inside their home the day after he was last seen alive.
A spokesperson for Bonnell’s family issued a statement: “The Bonnell family is beyond devastated. Clint was an incredible human who sacrificed so much for others and dedicated his life to the betterment of this world…our family will continue to fight for justice in Clint’s name.”
Cloud is currently being held without bond in the Cumberland County Detention Center. Her attorney, James Macrae Jr., stated that she is innocent and “looks forward to her day in court.”
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Latest Articles
Former Green Beret’s Autopsy Reveals Grisly Details
Autopsy findings reveal former Green Beret Clinton Bonnell was shot multiple times before dismemberment; his estranged wife faces murder charges.
By Kate Byrd
Published: September 23, 2025 9:00 am ET
Shana Cloud, left, is charged with murder in the death of her husband, Clint Bonnell (via Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office)
FAYETTEVILLE, NC — The murder investigation into former Green Beret Clinton “Clint” Bonnell continues, with new autopsy details revealing he was shot multiple times and dismembered. His estranged wife, Shana Cloud, is being held on murder charges.
Bonnell’s nude torso was found on February 25, nearly a month after he was reported missing, ABC11 reported. An autopsy confirmed he was shot four times in the back, with each bullet exiting through his chest. No bullets or fragments were recovered.
The autopsy report also cited signs of dismemberment by a mechanical saw. Bonnell’s head, arms, and legs are still missing, investigators said. A 10-inch gash was noted in his abdomen, and multiple organs were absent. DNA sent to the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System was used to positively identify Bonnell.
The North Carolina Office of the State Medical Examiner has ruled the death a homicide, with the cause listed as multiple gunshot wounds. The medical examiner noted that further traumatic injuries could not be excluded, given the dismemberment, absence of internal organs, and state of decomposition.
Bonnell, a student in the Physician Assistant Program at Methodist University, was last seen on January 27 in Cumberland County. When he missed classes on January 28, a university employee contacted the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office to request a well-being check at his home.
Deputies also spoke with Cloud, who stated she had not seen Bonnell since January 27. Officers observed Bonnell’s car, keys, watch, workout bag, reading glasses, and other personal items still at the couple’s residence.
Cloud told officers she went to a local gym on January 27, and Bonnell joined her an hour later. She said they left the gym in separate cars, with Bonnell stating he was going to Methodist University to study.
Cloud did not recall him returning home and found his car at the gym the next morning. She declined to file a missing person report for Bonnell, according to officers.
On January 28, Bonnell’s girlfriend requested a second welfare check and filed a missing person report.
On February 1, detectives traveled to Virginia. With assistance from Virginia State Police, they executed search warrants on Cloud’s vehicle, a rental property, and her cell phone. Investigators analyzed cell phone records and video footage, to construct a timeline of Bonnell’s disappearance. Police have not disclosed why Cloud was in Virginia or how her location was determined.
On February 25, the sheriff’s office received a call reporting human remains in a rural pond. Due to the condition of the remains, immediate identification was not possible.
A month after the discovery of the remains, DNA testing revealed the torso to be Bonnell’s. Cloud was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a death.
The Cumberland County District Attorney’s office indicated that a pending divorce could be the motive in the case. Prosecutors believe Bonnell was killed a day after he visited a lawyer to seek a divorce. According to WRAL, he told his girlfriend he planned to end his marriage and then informed his wife.
Bonnell’s cell phone records indicate he returned to the couple’s home on the night of January 27 and did not leave. Authorities also have video evidence of Cloud in the area where Bonnell’s torso was recovered. They believe she shot and killed her husband inside their home the day after he was last seen alive.
A spokesperson for Bonnell’s family issued a statement: “The Bonnell family is beyond devastated. Clint was an incredible human who sacrificed so much for others and dedicated his life to the betterment of this world…our family will continue to fight for justice in Clint’s name.”
Cloud is currently being held without bond in the Cumberland County Detention Center. Her attorney, James Macrae Jr., stated that she is innocent and “looks forward to her day in court.”
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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