A North Carolina woman has been charged with the murder of her husband, a retired Green Beret, whose dismembered body was discovered in a pond. Prosecutors allege that Shaina Cloud, a travel nurse, killed her husband Clint Bonnel amid unfolding divorce plans and a confrontation over his supposed affair.
The chilling case began on January 28 when Clint, a dedicated student in Methodist University’s physician assistant program, failed to appear for class. Alarmed by his absence, a concerned university employee contacted the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies found Clint’s car, personal belongings, and his wife Shaina at their home, but Clint was nowhere to be found. Shaina claimed she hadn’t seen him since the previous day, asserting they had parted ways after a workout at the gym, with Clint supposedly headed to study.
However, inconsistencies quickly emerged in Shaina’s account. Clint’s car was parked at home, contradicting her story, and she declined to file a missing person’s report. On the same day, a call from Clint’s girlfriend triggered further investigation; she informed authorities that Clint was planning to end his marriage and had consulted a lawyer about divorce the day he disappeared.
As investigators delved deeper, they noted a concerning timeline. Clint had reportedly texted his girlfriend that he was home, had informed Shaina about their impending divorce, and was going to bed. This message contradicted Shaina’s claims of not knowing if he returned home that evening. Police later discovered damage to Clint’s belongings that suggested foul play.
The investigation escalated when Clint’s remains were found on February 25, floating in a pond approximately three miles from his home. Due to the condition of the body, identification required DNA testing, which ultimately confirmed it was Clint Bonnel. On March 29, Shaina was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and concealing an unnatural death. Prosecutors allege that she shot Clint in their home after learning of his affair and then dismembered his body to dispose of it.
During her first court appearance, prosecutors presented evidence suggesting that Clint’s torso had two gunshot wounds consistent with damage found on his laptop and backpack. Additionally, digital evidence allegedly placed Shaina near the pond shortly after Clint’s disappearance. Given the severity of the charges and the evidence against her, Shaina was denied bond.
Cloud’s attorney has publicly maintained her innocence, asserting that she looks forward to her day in court. He emphasized her role as a mother, noting how Clint had raised her daughter since she was three years old. However, the evidence presented thus far paints a troubling picture, raising questions about Shaina’s motive and the nature of her relationship with Clint.
As the community mourns the loss of Clint Bonnel, described as driven and full of promise, the legal proceedings continue. The case has garnered widespread attention, with many eager to see how the investigation unfolds and what further revelations may emerge in the coming months. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement are still seeking information related to the case, urging anyone with knowledge to come forward.