Authorities have intensified their investigation into the disappearance of retired Special Forces soldier Clinton “Clint” Bonnell, following the discovery of a dismembered body in a pond near his residence in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a search warrant was executed at Bonnell’s home on Butler Nursery Road on February 26, but details of their findings remain undisclosed. This action followed a shocking 911 call on February 25 from a homeowner on Gainey Road, reporting human remains in a nearby pond.
The caller described the remains as a torso, stating, “There’s no legs or arms or nothing on it.”
Deputies launched a two-day search of the area, recovering the body and transporting it to the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for identification. Meanwhile, law enforcement also searched Bonnell’s home, which is located roughly half a mile from the pond. Authorities have not confirmed a connection between the remains and Bonnell but are exploring all possibilities.
Bonnell, 50, was last seen on the evening of January 27, 2025, in the Gray’s Creek area. He was reported missing on January 30, after failing to attend classes at Methodist University, where he was enrolled in the physician assistant program. His family, particularly his sister Stefanie Firkins, has remained vocal about their concerns, questioning why Bonnell’s wife, Shana Cloud, did not report him missing and why security cameras at their home were removed.
Cloud’s actions have fueled public speculation. She only inquired about Bonnell’s whereabouts after he missed two days of class, contacting his sister via Facebook on January 29.
Firkins has openly accused Cloud of potential involvement in a cover-up, questioning what she was allegedly burning in a fire pit when authorities arrived at the home. Cloud has not publicly addressed these allegations and has retained an attorney.
Despite these uncertainties, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office continues to classify Bonnell’s case as a missing persons investigation. While authorities have not publicly confirmed any link between the remains and Bonnell, The NC Beat and Firkins have reported that DNA testing is underway to determine if the remains belong to him.
Sgt. Mickey Locklear of CCSO stated, “We are searching for any details that will help us find Mr. Bonnell.”
The Salty Soldier reached out to Sgt. Locklear for comment but has yet to receive a response.
Firkins remains determined to uncover the truth about her brother’s disappearance, emphasizing that he would not have abandoned his daughter, education, or future. She has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a reward leading to his discovery, urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with knowledge about Clint Bonnell’s whereabouts to contact Detective Sergeant J. McLeod at (910) 677-5548 or submit an anonymous tip to Fayetteville/Cumberland County Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).
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