A retired Green Beret's disappearance from his North Carolina home leads to a tragic discovery and murder charges against his wife.

According to Fox News, Shana Cloud faces first-degree murder and concealment of death charges after authorities found the body of her husband, Clinton Bonnell, in a Fayetteville body of water.

The investigation began on January 28 when Methodist University staff requested a wellness check after Bonnell, a 50-year-old student in the university's physician assistant program, failed to attend his morning classes. Deputies found Cloud at their residence, who claimed she hadn't seen her husband since the previous day.

Investigation reveals disturbing timeline of events

Deputies discovered Bonnell's vehicle, school bag, and personal belongings at the residence during the initial wellness check. Later that evening, a friend of Bonnell requested another wellness check, prompting authorities to open a missing persons case.

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit executed a search warrant at Bonnell's residence on January 30. The investigation expanded to Virginia, where detectives searched Cloud's vehicle, rental property, and phone with assistance from Virginia State Police.

Throughout February, investigators gathered and analyzed cellphone records, video footage, and digital data to establish a timeline of events before and after Bonnell's disappearance.

DNA confirms identity of recovered remains

On February 25, authorities received a call about human remains in a Fayetteville body of water. The investigation took a decisive turn when the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System confirmed through DNA testing that the remains belonged to Bonnell.

Methodist University President Stanley T. Wearden addressed the community following the confirmation of Bonnell's death. He offered support to those affected by the tragedy.

The president stated:

All I can offer is my care and sympathy. We will do all we can to minister to your needs during this time of heavy grief. Please offer grace and care to one another, and let your faculty and staff know whenever you need help or support.

Distinguished military career ends in tragedy

Bonnell served in the Army for over 20 years as a Green Beret medic before enrolling in Methodist University's physician assistant program. His transition to civilian life showed promise as he pursued further education in the medical field.

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office expressed condolences to Bonnell's family, the Special Forces community, and Methodist University. They requested public sensitivity regarding social media comments during the ongoing investigation.

Cloud's arrest occurred without incident at her residence. She faces her first court appearance on Monday as investigators continue gathering evidence in the case.

Final chapter unfolds in military veteran's case

Clinton Bonnell's journey from decorated Green Beret to aspiring physician assistant ended tragically when his remains were discovered in a Fayetteville body of water. His wife, Shana Cloud, faces first-degree murder and concealment of death charges in connection with his death. The case began with a simple wellness check from Methodist University on January 28 and culminated in Cloud's arrest after DNA testing confirmed Bonnell's identity.