The wife of a former Green Beret has been arrested in connection with his death.
On Friday, police arrested Shana Cloud Bonnell after DNA confirmed that the body found in February in a pond about five miles from their home belonged to her missing husband, Clinton Bonnell, according to ABC 11.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office charged Shana Bonnell with first-degree murder and concealment of a death. She currently sits in the Cumberland Detention Center.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Clinton Bonnell vanished in January while reportedly planning to divorce his wife.
READ: Body Found in Pond Amid Search for Recently-Retired Green Beret Who Vanished in January
Shana Bonnell allegedly told police that she last saw her husband at Fit 4 Life in Fayetteville on January 27. She claimed they left in separate cars, with Clinton headed to Methodist University to study for a test.
However, Clinton’s girlfriend stated that he visited a lawyer that day about filing for divorce. The girlfriend reported that Clinton texted her that night, saying he had informed his wife about the divorce and that he was going to sleep.
On January 28, Clinton failed to attend classes at Methodist University. Cell phone records indicated that his phone remained active at home until that morning, but it became inactive again until January 30, according to WNCN.
Clinton’s girlfriend and college officials requested a welfare check on January 28. Police visited his home the next day and found his wallet, keys, and car but did not locate his phone. WNCN reported that investigators returned to the home on January 31 and discovered his laptop and backpack, both showing signs of projectile damage.
Detectives executed a search warrant on Shana Bonnell’s truck in Virginia on February 1. During the search, she allegedly admitted to arguing with Clinton after finding a note from his girlfriend. ABC 11 reported that investigators found evidence relevant to the case.
Weeks later, police discovered a partial body in a pond, and reports indicated that the remains were missing both legs and arms, according to CrimeOnline’s previous report.
This investigation continues, and law enforcement encourages anyone with information to call Sgt. J. McLeod at (910) 677-5548 or CrimeStoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477). You do not have to reveal your identity.
[Feature Photos via Cumberland County PD]
