Warrant: Investigators Believe Asha Degree Case A Homicide
By: Wise News Network Staff
Shelby NC (WNN) – Wise News Network obtained search warrant documents on September 16th, 2024, pertaining to the Asha Degree case, which has been ongoing for 24 years.
Overview:
On February 14th, 2000, 9-year-old Asha Degree went missing from Shelby, NC. Witnesses reported seeing her being pulled into a green car similar to a 1970 Lincoln or Thunderbird. Seventeen months later, on August 2nd, 2001, evidence belonging to Asha Degree was found 21 miles north of where she was last seen on Highway 18. Several items belonging to Asha were found double-bagged in black trash bags at this location. DNA matching Russell Bradley Underhill and AnnaLee Victoria Dedmon Ramirez was found on these items.
In interviews with Roy Lee Dedmon and Cleveland Health Care/ North Brook Rest Home employee, Doris Callahan, it was indicated that the Dedmon’s knew and were associated with Underhill. Medical records from Underhill indicate Roy Lee Dedmon as his emergency contact.
It is notable that during the time of Asha’s disappearance, AnnaLee Victoria Dedmon was only 13, which is what led authorities to leave Roy and Connie Dedmon as possible suspects, as it is believed they would’ve assisted in the crime.
New Information to the Case:
In 2023 interviews were conducted claiming that the oldest daughter, Lizzie Grace Dedmon Foster, was known to transport patients to/ from Broughton Hospital in Morganton when she was around 16 years old. This pertains to the case because the bags containing Asha’s bookbag were found en route along Highway 18 from Dedmon’s residence at 621 Cherryville Highway to Broughton and Northbrook Rest Home. During the search and seizure at his location, a human tooth in a ziploc bag were found that have yet to be genetically identified.
A vehicle matching the description of the car Asha was last seen being pulled into was found at 601 Cherryville Road. According to Sarah Gwen Dedmon Caple, this was a green AMC Rambler that was reportedly given to her by her father in 1999.
During this round of investigation, the authorities seized a vehicle with a description similar to the witness reports from 601 Cherryville Road. The current resident, Jeffery Spencer, stated that since his occupation, three rooms have remained locked with padlocks, with Roy Dedmon advising that these are his personal property.
Furthermore, Lora Dedmon stated on September 10th, 2024, that she witnessed Roy Demond digging a chest-high hole several years ago on the property. Investigator Shumate observed a 6-8 inch dent in the ground, where it was apparent the ground had been disturbed while conducting the voluntary interview with the current resident.
What’s Been Collected in the Seizure:
Several vehicles, including the Rambler that matches the description from Asha’s disappearance, have been seized. Evidence has been seized from 6 locations, including a large amount of current electronic devices, photographs, journals belonging to the Demond family’s daughters, Underhill records, VHS tapes, a small piece of red fabric, and children’s clothing. Otherwise, the warrants allowed for buccal swabs to be taken from Connie Dedmon, Roy Dedmon, and AnnaLee Ramirez for genetic testing.
Conclusion:
This ongoing case will be reported as more information becomes available. Currently, no arrests have been made regarding this case. Otherwise, the warrants claim that:
“Based on these findings, Investigators believe Asha Degree is a victim of homicide, with her body concealed.”
There have been several press releases related to this case that you can read more about here:
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